2015 Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Magazine by Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame

EE FCR ourtesy

of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum

Table of Contents 4 Welcome to Sturgis 2015 - Jack Hoel

66-67 South Dakota Highways

to Sturgis 2015 6 Welcome - Christine Paige Diers & Mayor Mark C. Carstensen

68-69 Special Mail Trucks for Sturgis

7 2015 Board of Directors

72 Museum Working to Expand

8 Motorcycle Museum Membership Benefits

74-75 Clara Wagner’s Namesake Bike

12-13 The Sturgis Rally Timeline

78 Progressive Laconia Motorcycle Week®

15-18 Pearl Hoel: The first lady of Sturgis

80 Rally Sudoku

Chief in the Basement: 20-22 The A motorcycle with solid Black Hills pedigree

Women in Motorcycling 84 Celebrate at the Biker Belles® Brunch & “Show Your Ride” Bike Show

Camping During the Rally not Just

86 Oil Boom in the Dakotas

Riding Leo’s Black Shadow & Bud’s Rapide

90 Experience the Ride that Rocks !

24-25 Pitching a Tent Anymore

26-31 from Southern Minnesota to Sturgis, 1952

2015 Motorcycle Museum

32 Pearl’s New Home on the Tree

94 Gun Raffle & Building Sweepstakes

34 Rally Trivia

96-98 New York Myke Commemorates the Fat Boy

36-38 “Pappy” Hoel: From Ice Man to Rally Founder

102-103 The Last Half-Mile at the Sturgis Fairgrounds

40 Rally Wordcross

Ride & A Picnic: 106 AEarly Gypsy Tours give spectators their own event

42 Caves of the Black Hills

108 Near Sturgis

44 Hall of Fame Inductees

116 Winter Sports in the Black Hills

The 5 Most Popular Motorcycle Roads

45-56 Hall of Fame Collectors Cards

120-122 The Sturgis Buffalo Chip

57 Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame Inductees Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame

58-60 2015 Inductees Announced

124 Rally Word Search 128 Solutions to Rally Puzzles

62 Poker Alice Tubbs

Look for this badge and support the sponsors of the Pappy Hoel historic 1/2 mile races.

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Motorcycle Magazine 2015

Coordinator & Sales: Pete Torino Administration & Proofreading: Darla Gunderson Editor: Christine Paige Diers

Graphic Design and print by: Seaton Publishing Co., Inc., Spearfish, SD Lead Designer: Melissa Barnett

Welcome to Sturgis 2015! Here we are in 2015 celebrating the “75th.” It all started in 1938 and has been held every year since except for a couple of years during World War II. It has grown to become the largest motorcycle event in the world! This year somewhere between 700,000 and 1,000,000 cyclists are expected to attend. South Dakota DOT will tally rally traffic counts, and other traditional benchmarks will be utilized to ascertain the final estimates (exact numbers are impossible). But, as in the past, visitors will be here from every state in the USA, every province of Canada, and over 30 other nations! All of that in Sturgis, South Dakota which has a yearround population of 6,600! Statistics indicate over 70% of rally visitors will have been here for previous rallies. For those who are making their first visit I’ll provide some background information. My father, J.C. “Pappy” Hoel was a small Indian dealer in the ‘30’s. He is considered the founder of the rally because he organized the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club and that group in turn sponsored the first AMA sanctioned 1/2 mile races. As a small boy, I remember the many hours Dad spent preparing the track and in the year-round promotion of the rally. As an Indian Motorcycle dealer, he personally contacted the famous 1/2 mile competitors who rode the Indian product to make sure Indian was well represented at the finish line! Often times, $50 for “gas money” could make a big difference for these racers. I still remember how awesome it was to see the very racers featured on the Indian factory posters displayed on the shop walls in person in Dad’s shop! Many of the racers spent the night there in Dad’s shop working on their bikes. My dad passed away in 1989, which meant he didn’t get

to enjoy the “50th” in 1990, which was the first year that saw 500,000 cyclists in Sturgis. My mom died at age 99 in Feb 2005. Prior to her death, she had been nominated for the South Dakota Hall of Fame. She was inducted posthumously in Sept. of that year. Both of my folks are also in the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame and more recently have been honored by large statues carved in a tree trunk at the site of Dad’s old shop at 2007 Junction Avenue. Coe Meyer has Gypsie Vintage Cycle there and Dad and Mom would have been envious of the remodeling he’s done. I spend a lot of time there during rallywhen not busy with the White Plate Flat Tracker’s 1/2 mile- and I enjoy chatting with visitors there. From that first race of only a few riders and mostly local spectators, the rally has grown to include other kinds of competition and, since the ‘70’s, has also been a massive vendor event. Vendors number as many as 1,000, with many more in nearby communities that handle the overflow. It has grown so large that although most everybody comes through Sturgis at some point, Sturgis can get pretty full and many visitors spend time in nearby communities while enjoying a ride thru the Black Hills. The scenic Black Hills are certainly part of the rally success story. I’m sure most people don’t know that nobody owns the rally, which I think is probably another reason for its success. The City does arrange occasional free entertainment, but anyone can come to Sturgis to promote or vend. The City - and the County - DO require a fee to cover the additional expenses for sanitation, traffic control, and enforcement of other City codes concerning safety, signage, etc. Arrangements must be made for

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

event location or vendor space, and while license fees are required, City permission is not a requirement. Promoters would be advised to schedule dates/times to avoid conflicts with established events but EVERYBODY is WELCOME! There are over 60 campgrounds in Sturgis/Meade County, some large, some small. Many of those campgrounds are open ONLY during the rally. Camping sites, cabins, and great saloons and restaurant facilities are readily available although booked solid for the 75th! Entertainment- some of it free- is often provided for the customers. Some, like the FULL THROTTLE have become “destinations” that everybody visits...due in part because of their very own TV show that plays nationwide. The new Shade Valley Resort has nice facilities that would be appropriate in - and enhance- Yellowstone National Park! Hog Heaven and a few others are located within the City limits which is handy for vendors and race competitors. The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum has a nice collection, and is making plans for a major expansion. Located right downtown, it stays busy all year. I would suggest everybody will enjoy the Tues. and Wed. 1/2 mile races in Sturgis at the fairgrounds. It’s reasonable - grandstand entrance is free and all are invited to tailgate around the track where they can enjoy the action up close! The White Plate Flat Trackers Association, a group of professional racers, sponsors, tuners, and race enthusiasts now promote the event. See their monument on Junction Ave. near the Hospital, and come by and enjoy the races! Jack Hoel Sturgis 2015

Welcome to Sturgis 2015! Welcome to the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. Whether you’re here for a family vacation, riding with a group of your friends during the 75th Anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, or just passing through, we’re so glad you’ve chosen to pick up a copy of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame’s free souvenir magazine. We hope you’ll enjoy it as much as you enjoy your time in the area. We’re very excited to be able to share some historical information and articles with you, and to offer our partners a place to advertise their great businesses and events. The proceeds from this magazine will allow the museum to continue to fulfill its mission to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of motorcycling, honor those who have made a positive and significant impact on the sport and lifestyle, and pay tribute to the heritage of the Sturgis Rally.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame started in 2001 when a group of folks in Sturgis decided it was important to tell the story of the significant role motorcycles have played in our heritage, and that there could be no better place to tell that story than in Sturgis, home of one of the world’s largest and oldest motorcycle rallies. In 2002, the City of Sturgis decided the old Post Office building on the corner of Main & Junction would serve the city best if it housed this new museum. Since then, a great many friends of the museum have allowed us to exhibit some amazing motorcycles and memorabilia that wouldn’t be available to the public without them. While the museum was formed by a very grassroots effort, we are working hard to take the museum to the next level. The funds raised through this publication are earmarked for a future expansion.

Our location is wonderful, but we need more space. As we look to the future, we know that the museum needs to grow in space as well as in technology. We know you understand the importance of lending your financial support so that the museum can not only continue to share the story, but constantly improve the way in which that story is conveyed through new exhibits and upgraded displays. If you haven’t had an opportunity to visit us in person, please make every effort to stop by the museum right on Main Street in Sturgis. We think we’ve got a lot to offer, and we hope you’ll agree.

Hello and welcome to the City of Sturgis. I believe for this anniversary of our great event, I am welcoming old friends and probably some new ones who have never visited our wonderful community. There are many people who work hard to make this event a successful, safe and

exciting one and I would like to thank everyone for their efforts and also I would like to thank all of you who take time out of your lives to come here and make the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally the world’s best gathering!

We are blessed to have the beautiful Black Hills to enjoy with our many great sites and the scenic rides that keep people coming back to our community. If it is your first time or you have been here many times, the Black Hills and Sturgis look forward to your visit and hope you have a safe and enjoyable visit so that you come back and see us again. There has been new additions throughout our town and I hope you take time to check them all out. Our small town becomes a large metropolis in August, but Sturgis is still a small town with a welcoming attitude. I don’t think Pappy Hoel could have ever imagined what we have today when the first gathering happened in 1938. I encourage you to come back and visit and continue to be part of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally’s great legacy. Thanks for attending!

Christine Paige Diers,

Executive Director for the Board of Directors Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame

Mark C. Carstensen Mayor of Sturgis

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

2015 Board

of Director

Craig Baile Chris Lien - y - President V Robin Baldw ice-President in - Treasur Vickie Nett er erberg - Se cretary Bruce Eide Tina Hogue Coe Meyer Brian Neum an Terry Ryme n Roger Schie r m Loren Stanle an y Keith Terry Ron Waterla n Rod Woodr d uff

Executive

irector Christine P aige Diers

Developm

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Tigra Tsujik

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Preserving the History of Motorcycling

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Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

17698 SD HWY 79 Newell, SD â&#x20AC;˘ North on HWY 79 Step back in time to an Old West Saloon on the prairie. Located right in the middle of a working cattle, sheep, buffalo, and horse ranch. See all the antique items large and small, that were used in settling and working the land in our great country. Inside bar and lower level outside patio bar with fireplace. Little house on the prairie rustic cabins. Roping lessons, team and wagon rides everyday. Watch how a cattle ranch operates with roping, riding, and branding. Serene Newell Lake is located 1 mile from the Saloon with free public access. Many relaxing activities to do. Visit with the saloon girls and local westerners. Watch longhorn cattle and buffalo graze on the prairie as you enjoy an ice cold beverage and snack. Beautiful quiet serene ride just 30 minutes from Sturgis.

CAMPING SHOWERS CABINS BEER POP ICE DRINK FOOD

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum â&#x20AC;˘ 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

Stop by and visit the old Indian Motorcycle shop of Pappy Hoel. Beautifully restored motorcycles of the 60’s and 70’s are our specialty. Remember that motorcycle your mom wouldn’t let you have? It’s here!

We’re located on Junction Avenue (Exit 32) just four blocks from the Interstate and only 10 blocks from downtown Main Street, across from the hospital on Junction. See the Pappy & Pearl Hoel statues!

Unique Gifts • Vintage Apparel Incredible Motorcycles! MONDAY, AUGUST 3: FREE 75TH RALLY PINS 10am-2pm - While they last!

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4: VINTAGE HALF-MILE RACES All Day - Meade County Fairgrounds* WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5: ALL STAR PRO AMA HALF-MILE All Day - Meade County Fairgrounds* THURSDAY, AUGUST 6: JACK HOEL MEET & GREET/PHOTOS 10am-2pm - Gypsie Vintage Cycles FRIDAY, AUGUST 7: FREE 75TH RALLY PINS 10am-2pm - While they last! *Meade County Fairgrounds are only 10 blocks from Main Street.

Fairgrounds Ball Park Rd.

Inter

state

Main St. Junction

Main St.

2007 Junction Avenue Sturgis, SD 57785

605-347-6488

FREE 75th Rally Pin Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Ride of a Lifetime: 1930

1938 The newly-formed Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club holds its first weekend races sanctioned by the AMA. Eight racers competed for $750 in prize money while about 200 spectators cheered them on. The weekend also included a number of challenge meets to entertain the crowd between the official races.

1940

1939 A group of local businessmen added events to the weekend to include a banquet, parade and free shows each evening, while the Gypsy Tour saw 55 riders taking a day-ride in the Black Hills.

1950

1946 After taking a hiatus because riders and motorcycles alike were needed for the nation’s war effort, the “Motorcycle Classic” returns. Despite the fact that advertising was limited to the local area, the Jackpine Gypsies managed to draw about 4,000 spectators to the two-day event.

1951-1955 The rally gained national exposure when it was chosen as the site of the AMA Five-Mile National Championship Race in 1952, 1953, and 1954 and the Six-Mile National Championship in 1955. During this same period, local support also grew. Local organizations, service clubs and churches started to set up vendor spaces on Main Street with food, souvenirs and raffles. The event expanded to a four-day event during this time with two days of touring and two days of racing.

1949 Rally organizers used Main Street for the first time – a tradition that has grown in the ensuing years. In 1949, Main Street was used for two hours worth of events on Friday evening – where prizes for oldest, youngest and best dressed riders were sponsored by local merchants. 1980

1980 Racing which had been such an important part of the initial rally begins to lose some of its importance as the rally continues to grow in numbers.

1990

1988 The Jackpine Gypsies again host a national race – this time, a 600cc National Short Track – part of a new lineup of national races put together by the AMA.

1982 Continued issues at City Park prompt local officials to close the park to camping, providing an opportunity for new private owners to open campgrounds outside the city limits. At the same time, local residents defeated a referendum that would have prohibited the city from offering financial support to the rally.

1989 Clarence “Pappy” Hoel who had been an integral part of the rally since its inception died in February of 1989.

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

2000

1990 The 50th Anniversary year of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally proves to be more than anyone anticipated. Estimated attendance grew to 300,000 – taking planners and participants by surprise. 1991 A remarkable year because it was the first year that no one died during the rally. 1998 Attendance estimated at 350,000 despite cool temperatures and rain.

2000 Another banner year in attendance as the rally celebrates 60 years. Estimated attendance: 633,000 – still the largest attendance on record.

A history of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 1960

1970

1957 A new event was added to the schedule on Friday afternoon – the Sportsman’s Hill Climb – an event for amateur riders. 1961 For the first time, the Gypsy Tour was divided into Northern Hills and Southern Hills, with one group riding the traditional route and another riding to Devils Tower in northeast Wyoming.

1964 The City Council voted to designate a section of Main Street exclusively for free parking for motorcyclists as “a gesture of welcome to the visiting cyclists.”

1975 The rally grew to a seven-day event and remains that today.

1965 The rally was officially expanded to a five-day event. 1970 Branded the 30th annual event, the 1970 rally had an estimated 3,000 motorcycles in attendance. 1972 The rally is officially expanded to a six-day event.

2010

2002 The City of Sturgis creates a city department to take over management of the rally. Up until this time, management was volunteer or contract labor.

1977 City Park, which had continued to be a main camping area for rally-goers, was leased to a private businessman in hopes of improving supervision and security. Estimated attendance had grown to 20,000. 1979 The City of Sturgis begins to license temporary vendors. Nine licenses are issued.

2020

2008 The Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club resurrects the ½ Mile Race. A downturn in the economy combines with $4 a gallon gasoline to reduce attendance numbers. Still, an estimated 414,000 people attended the rally.

2003 More events are added to the schedule of events – the first Mayor’s Ride benefits the Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department, while American Motorcycle Dealer (AMD) kicks off the first “World Championship of Custom Bike Building” in Sturgis. Judging of the event is primarily from the competitors themselves.

2014 The White Plate Flat Trackers sign a multi-year agreement with the City of Sturgis to hold half-mile races at the fairgrounds track. In addition to the regular races, promoters host vintage races.

2010 The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally celebrates its 70th anniversary. 2015 Residents, vendors, city officials and others are making preparations for the 75th Anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with attendance estimates upwards of 1 million people.

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum â&#x20AC;˘ 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

Pearl Hoel: By Christine Paige Diers The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum

Pearl Kinney Hoel was born Nov. 10, 1905 at Cresline Ohio, to Roy and Inga (Anderson) Kinney. Her family moved to Rapid City, S.D. when she was five years old. She attended grade school in a one room school house with the same teacher for eight years. Pearl graduated from high school in 1923 and was hired that year to teach in the small town of Mystic in the Southern Black Hills. She was able to ride the train home on the weekends but stayed at the school house during the week filling many roles as nurse, barber, music teacher, and janitor. The winter months meant getting the wood or coal stove going early enough to have the school house warm before the children (many of whom walked or rode horseback several miles) arrived for class. The salary she received for this position was $75.00 per month. At recess she and the children often panned for gold in the nearby creek. Occasionally forest rangers would ride by on horseback, stop to visit and enjoy lunch with the group. Pearl attended Spearfish Normal, a teachers college the next year and following graduation taught in the Piedmont district for

several years. She earned $125.00 per month there, lived with another teacher and came to Sturgis for the Saturday night dances to meet her boyfriend Amos Bovee. Amos’ best friend was Clarence Hoel, son of a homesteader couple, who had become the ice and fuel merchants, doing much of their business with the Cavalry at Fort Meade. It seems like the song “While they were dancing my friend stole my sweetheart from me,” applied here. Pearl and Clarence were married May 19, 1928. Their only child, Jack (John Edward) was born in 1935. Keeping busy was Pearl’s way of life then and continued to be for all of her years. She continued to teach school until Jack was born. Her next undertaking was as an Investigator for the WPA (Works Project Administrator) for the government. It was during the depression and many farmers

were destitute. Cattle were being slaughtered and Pearl often delivered a quarter of beef to families in need as part of her job. When that ended Pearl sought a position in the Meade County courthouse. She was elected and served the next twenty plus years in several different positions; County Clerk, Register of Deeds and County Auditor. She often said the only office she hadn’t served in was the Sheriff position. Pearl retired from public service for Meade County in 1964. With the introduction of refrigeration in the 1930’s, the local ice man was forced to find a new business. Clarence had always been interested in motorcycles. In 1936 he opened an Indian Motorcycle shop, Hoel’s Motors, on Junction Avenue in Sturgis. He and six close friends and fellow motorcycle riders formed the Jackpine Gypsy Motorcycle Club of Sturgis. This club is still a big part of the motorcycle activity in Sturgis. In 1938, the Jackpine Gypsy Motorcycle Club hosted the first motorcycle rally - under a tent in the back yard of the Hoel’s Motors

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Quality Collision and Automotive Bumper to Bumper Repair Specializing in insurance claims.

South Junction at Exit 32 Sturgis

605-641-5701

www.jakescollisionrepair.com Monday-Friday 8-5pm • Sat. & Sun. Closed

• Cowboys, Ranch Life, History of Rodeo • Gold Mining, Forestry & Bentonite • American Indian Culture & Artifacts • Authentic Antique Wagons & Farm Implements • Furnished Log Cabin & Rural Schoolhouse • Live Longhorn Cattle • Book Store & Gift Shop • Live Historical Programs throughout year in our 200-Seat Theatre

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

and Hoel’s home next door. Pearl furnished sandwiches, doughnuts and coffee or lemonade to the 200 people who attended. As the rally grew, Pearl, with the help of other wives of the Jackpine Gypsies prepared food and refreshments, and sometimes provided jackets and extra blankets. They arranged to meet the Gypsy Tours, which were now a regular part of the annual rally, at Custer or Devils Tower providing a lunch of beef, beans, potato salad and watermelon for about $.65 per person. For more than six decades, Pearl Hoel’s ready smile greeted hundreds of thousands of bikers who gathered each year for the motorcycle rally. Pearl with her wide historical knowledge of the Black Hills, Meade County and Sturgis contributed to the area in many ways. She was a wonderful story teller. Pearl was one of the first to present a program for the “Art for Lunch Brunch,” a Home Town Folks series sponsored by the Sturgis Area Arts Council. She had a wonderful sense of humor and would often recall many interesting tales. Her friendly and generous nature, her ability to tell the story of the rally with pride and dignity kept the “old days” alive and interesting to the many newcomers. Pearl, a person comfortable in the background for many years was able, following the death of Clarence in 1989, to step forward and represent all that was and is positive about the rally and the City of Sturgis. At 99 years of age, Pearl was still the best source of information about the rally, her gift for recall and her ability to share oral history was in constant demand and she enjoyed each opportunity she had to share this. Pearl had many hobbies, playing Bridge was a favorite past time. Several of the oldest and dearest friends were in the Bridgette Club for over 60 years meeting twice a month in their homes. Lillian

Lushbough, one of the long-time members, had this to say about Pearl. “Pearl is indeed a genuine pearl. A real pearl will stand weather and stress and that is Pearl Hoel.” Pearl was also an artist. She did many scenes in oil on canvas and in her later years painted many pictures of deer, raccoons and chipmunks on tanned leather deer hide. Being a practical person from the “old school” she painted her house on Baldwin street in Sturgis at the age of 95. In 2004, Pearl donned a motorcycle helmet and rode around the racetrack with an “old biker” as part of the prerace program at the Half-Mile race. Pearl really preferred a sidecar when it came to motorcycle traveling and this was the way she usually made a public appearance on the track in front of the grand stand. The Jackpine Gypsies, from the beginning of their “Short Track Races” reserved a parking place for the Hoel vehicles. Pearl held many interviews from that spot where she seldom missed a race. She always had a ready smile and a big wave for her friends in the crowd. She held a special gathering of her over-40 riders, a club of riders

known as the Retreads. She baked muffins and banana breads by the dozen and loved sharing her beautiful backyard of trees, roses, grapevines and various perennials and annuals which she tended herself. In the early years of the rally a big free feed was held for everyone

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

in the Sturgis park followed by a program involving the riders. Several contests were held as a part of this with Pearl doing much of the planning. As funds were limited in those days one of Pearl’s contributions was creating a crown for the Queen. This she did by stringing pearls and pretty beads on a wire (to hold the shape) following a design which she drew out on cardboard first. Several lucky ladies were the recipients of these crowns. The best dressed male rider, female rider, best dressed club, longest distance rider and so on were also selected and honored. For many years Pearl was interviewed by major news media and motorcycle magazines. She was able to speak with first-hand knowledge about the history of this event, which like Topsy

(Pappy’s horse), grew and grew. From the 200 bikers in their back yard to the hundreds of thousands in her later years, Pearl remained a role model who was admired and respected for her sincerity and friendliness. This “First Lady of the Rally,” died February 27, 2005 at the age of 99, leaving behind a lasting legacy of kindness, generosity and an endless array of friends. With her husband J.C. (Pappy) Hoel, Pearl was there at the beginning of what would become America’s largest motorcycle rally and her support for South Dakota’s special event never wavered. Even as the event grew, she took it all in stride, exhibiting a graciousness and kindness that time alone could not erase. She is truly missed!

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

The Chief in the Basement: Story by Marilyn Stemp Photos by Buck and Tracy Lovell

This article first appeared in IronWorks Magazine, now Iron Trader News www.IronTraderNews. com and on Facebook. When this factory-stock Indian Chief was unearthed from a Lead, South Dakota, basement in 2009, it had a mere 4140 miles on the clock, making it a veritable two-wheeled time capsule. But this “find” wasn’t the thrilling discovery you might imagine it to be because, although the bike had been parked for about 17 years, some people in the local community had known it was there all along. The Chief was the prized possession of an area man who was a lifelong rider. Friends and family have asked that the owner’s identity remain private

but for the sake of simplicity—and to make it easier to tell this story— let’s call him Mike. “I’ve seen the bike every year since the early 70’s,” said Bob Mykleby, onetime coworker and longtime friend of Mike’s. Bob met Mike in 1974 when they both worked at the Homestake Mine in Lead. They became friends, partly due to a shared interest in bikes and cars. Bob eventually started his own auto body shop and Mike helped him there sometimes. “He restored old Model A’s and Model T’s, and we’d work on those together,” said Bob. “We were always talking about motorcycles so it was a common thing.” As Mike aged he worried about how his son would get along once he passed on. One day, Mike asked Bob if he’d look after his son when the time came. Naturally, Bob agreed.

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

So when Mike passed away in 2001 Bob helped Mike’s son from time to time around the house. And when the time came in 2009, Bob helped Mike’s son move out of the family home and prepare for an auction of household items and collectibles. That’s when the bike was “rediscovered” amid the accumulated household clutter, along with a trove of related motorcycle history in the form of collected memorabilia. Bob became the point man to sell both bike and memorabilia in an effort to ensure that Mike’s son was cared for. Mike was like most of us who dream and save up for the machine that becomes the pride of the stable. It was a hallmark day in the summer of 1952 when he took possession of his new Chief from the dealership. Adding to the occasion was that it was none other than J.C. “Pappy” Hoel, legendary Indian dealer and

founder of the Jackpine Gypsies, (not to mention the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally) who signed the purchase agreement and waved goodbye to Mike as he rolled on the Chief’s throttle and headed home. The purchase was so momentous to Mike that not only did he save the sales receipt, but also the trade-in paperwork, and plenty of other documents—many of them handwritten and signed by Pappy himself. Friends say that in Mike’s later years his hobby and favorite pastime was buying and selling collectibles, but in the early 1950’s even Mike couldn’t have known how significant his saved bits and papers would become. See Mike was not just a customer of Pappy Hoel’s, he was an active rider and, according to Bob, “was one of the original organizers of the Jackpine Gypsies with Pappy.” A quick look through the collected items shows that Mike was indeed a dedicated rider for years, accumulating cards, pins and patches over many riding seasons. The collection now stands as a record of early motorcycling and includes AMA membership cards, belt buckles and year pins, dozens of Pow Wow magazines, Jackpine Gypsy patches, pins and jewelry, Indian patches and medallions, and Sturgis Motor Classic pins. There’s also a group of vintage photos, paperwork, and motorcycle license plates. “We knew he had a lot of memorabilia but it was never in one place,” explained Bob. “He would talk about it but it was never accessible. So when we cleaned the house (after Mike passed

away and his son moved from the home) we kept coming across piece after piece. We took it to the (Sturgis) museum and they did the inventory,” Bob explained. Which pieces were the most remarkable? “When we ran across things like the paper license plate that

Pappy Hoel signed and dated and bolted on the bike—and it’s still in pristine condition—when we saw things like that I was totally amazed,” said Bob. Mike had saved the original

owner’s manual, loan papers, and even the loan book that he wrote in every month when he made the payment. “That stuff is quite unusual and very surprising to find,” said Bob. There’s even a copy of the first annual Black Hills Gypsy Tour guide. “No one still has one of these,” Bob added. As for the Chief, “It has never been painted or altered in any way we can see,” said Bob. It’s totally unmolested and still has the original tool set. Because Mike and Bob were friends, Bob often saw the Chief at Mike’s house. “He quit riding it in 1989,” said Bob. “It still ran in 1992 when he and a friend serviced the bike and parked it in his basement. I’d spend time at his house and it was always there,” Bob said. “It sat a good 17 years but it was stored properly. We’d crank it over and oil it, the gas tanks were flushed, and it always turned over.

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

offers to buy the bike that did not include an agreement to maintain the collection so they were turned down. “I would really like to see the (Sturgis Motorcycle) museum be able to keep the bike here,” said Bob. “It would be a shame to lose this history from the place where it happened.” Christine Paige Diers, Executive Director of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, agrees. “Several local people who learned about the bike told me, ‘This bike has to be in the museum,’ ” she said, and that’s actually where the Chief has resided since July 2009. The Museum would love to keep it, of course, and according to Christine, that’s a possibility even if it’s sold. “The Sturgis Museum is a great place to keep your bike,” she added with a grin. “It’s climate controlled, secure, and you get to show off your bike to everyone.” So the search for the proper home continues but Bob’s not worried. The money is important (to help support Mike’s son) but so is seeing that the Chief goes to the right place. And while all this effort might seem like a lot of work, Bob simply characterizes it as, “fulfilling a promise to an old friend.” Yes, Mike was a fortunate man to have owned such an iconic machine as the Chief, but it seems he was wealthy in other ways, too; he had good friends. We should all be so lucky.

All you had to do was put gas in the tank and it would run.” “The tires were about half flat when I went to move it and I aired them up and they’re still holding air today,” he added. “You wouldn’t dare drive it that way but they are still there and original.” Of course the Chief itself is distinctive but the collected materials are also significant

to Mike’s family and friends—and anyone concerned with preserving motorcycle history. “We want the bike to find a good place but it’s also important that any owner will also want to keep the collection together, too,” said Bob. There have been

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Camping during the rally not just pitching a tent anymore By Christine Paige Diers The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum

“The evening before a three day race meet in Sturgis…riders coming in from everywhere…that night every straw stack and hay stack had several all night visitors. I spread a large canvas on the sawdust in my icehouse, and Jimmy Tagaris, Fred Ford and a number of other Denver riders slept there. Gyp Baker and Roy Baker bunked in a spare bed at my home…riders everywhere and did we like it!” These words were written by J.C. “Pappy” Hoel for the Indian News in 1945. It was the war years, and Indian had asked him to share some of his memories from the very early Sturgis races. In this issue, he went on to say, “Well, after this war is over just you guys and gals try it again and see, maybe we can arrange more haystacks and more canvas.” And did they ever! From the very beginning of the Sturgis Rally & Races in 1938, camping out has been a tradition enjoyed by numerous attendees. Racers and spectators alike camped out in the earliest days of the rally, but that was long before the advent of the huge campground with full hookups, restaurants, bars, concerts, and every other amenity one might need. Camping has come a long way over the years. In the very first years of the Sturgis Rally, racers and spectators alike would bed down in the Hoel yard at what became known at the “Gypsy Camp.” Those early

camps were a place for fun and camaraderie between the attendees. There are early stories of Pearl Hoel cooking for the people who came. At those Gypsy Camps, they even showed old movies for entertainment in the evening. It wasn’t too many years before there wasn’t room at the Hoel place for everyone who attended. In the 1950s, the City of Sturgis opened up the city park to campers. The Chamber of Commerce provided a picnic meal for the people attending the rally, an event that eventually grew to between 2,000 and 3,000 participants. In addition to the annual picnic, there was a program on Friday night for all of the campers and attendees at the rally. During that program, a variety of awards would be given out including oldest rider, youngest rider, longest distance traveled, most recently married couple and longest married couple. The program also included many forms of entertainment from bands to comedy skits performed by the Jackpine Gypsies. And don’t forget that for a number

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

of years, one lucky lady was crowned “Queen” of the Black Hills Motor Classic. To be named queen, a woman had to ride her own motorcycle to the event. As the rally grew, crowds at City Park became harder to manage. Events in 1976 marked the beginning of the end of camping in City Park. Early Friday night a rumor began circulating of a near-riot at Sturgis City Park. Meade County Sheriff John Egger’s estimate of a half dozen people arrested for “making trouble” turned out to be quite conservative when over 104 arrests were made in the ensuing 36 hours. Activity accelerated around 10 p.m. Saturday when bikers lit fires on the highway between the City Park and the Lions Club Park. Drag racing through the flames and stunt riding followed. Egger said his mistake was riding through the park between 10:30 – 11 p.m. and announcing via a public address system that, “We are going to wet

things down.” Bikers responded by racing up and down the road. Two firefighters received minor injuries and windshields in a fire truck and a police vehicle were broken. Extra law enforcement from Rapid City was called in, remaining on the scene until well after midnight. Officials decided a change was in order. The Motorcycle Classic, the Jackpine Gypsies and the promoters of the event were asked to consider security and public safety in all future event planning. Over the next few years solutions ranging from leasing the area to a manager to limiting the number of campers in City Park were discussed and attempted. The continued growth of the rally meant crowding and issues with camping in City Park, and it was finally banned by a public vote in 1982. Since that time, commercial campgrounds have continued to open throughout the Sturgis area and in the entire Black Hills region. There’s no real way of knowing exactly how many “spots” are available in the area, but at just one of the larger campgrounds there are over 1,000 full hookup sites (that doesn’t even take into account the area for tent camping). Many area campgrounds have camping cabins, their own restaurants, bars and gift shops. Believe it or not, you can even order up your very own prepared camp spot at some of the

campgrounds. It’s called “catered camping” and includes a tent, air bed, sleeping bags, cooler and flashlight – and it’s all set up when you ride in. They’ll even arrange to take everything down when you’re done camping. Really. The days of having one program where awards were given and a queen was crowned have gone by the wayside, too. Growth and diversity mean lots of different opportunities for entertainment. Today, some of the area campgrounds boast huge concert venues that draw nationallyrecognized recording artists almost every night of the week. Some of the campgrounds still have contests and prizes, but it’s not all one centralized event anymore. Still, attendees can always find something to do. The war years when J.C. Hoel shared memories with the Indian

Pearl Hoel Collection

News are a distant memory. In the ensuing years, “guys and gals” from all over the world have attended the rally – the number of participants has grown from about 200 that first year to upwards of a half million people and estimates for 2015 as high as a million people. Some things have changed a lot – others have remained. If you’re looking for a place to pitch your tent, you can certainly still find one in the Black Hills of South Dakota – but it’s likely not going to be on some “straw stack or hay stack” anymore.

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Riding Leo’s Black Shadow & Bud’s Rapide from southern Minnesota to Sturgis, 1952 A first-hand account by Leo Splinter, transcribed for publication by Keith W. Peters of Minneapolis Photos from Leo Splinter Collection

Editor’s Note: During my late 1990’s search for my very own Vincent, I made a great connection with Leo and Phyllis who live in Rapid City. Leo, who will turn 85 in August of 2015, shared his memoir with me in November of 2009, shortly after it was written. It has been edited minimally for clarity and length, but any exaggerations, lies, fabrications, etc., remain as Leo has told (and would want

them). Their 1952 Black Shadow has been on display at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum since 2003, and you may meet Leo and Phyllis there occasionally, volunteering as hosts. This is the way I remember the trip to Sturgis, South Dakota, way back in the old days when I was terrorizing the country side. This was right after dirt had been invented! I discovered bicycles early, then motor scooters and finally motor sickles---Indians. I think there was some other brand whose name started with an “H.”

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

Forget what it was!! My partner for this adventure was a fellow by the name of Adam “Bud” Fischer, who has since passed on to the Great Ride in the Sky. Bud was a bike rider who had been drafted during the Big War—WWII. He was a gunner on a B-17 which had been shot down over Europe. He spent an eternity in a POW camp. My place in history was in a place called Korea in 1953 and 1954. I have more pleasant memories of riding free in the years of 1946 to the present days, than of Korea. Bud was a member of the Kato Cycle Club and I was a member of the Kato Cycle Riders.

Both clubs were from the same town—Mankato, MN. Bud and I rode together. I was a farmer and worked part time for Marshall Indian Sales of Mankato. I had traded my 1950 eighty-cubic inch Chief in on a 1952 eighty cubic inch Chief. The workers at the Indian Factory- -The Wigwam- - had gone on strike which tied my new bike up in the shipping department. This was probably in late winter or early spring 1952. The Indian field representative kinda talked me into ordering a Vincent as there was no delivery date on the new Chief. Indian imported Vincent along with other Brit bikes - AJS, Matchless, Norton, Royal Enfield and Excelsior. The guys I rode with didn’t know at this time what I had coming for a bike. Rumors were wild- - I still had the Chief ordered- I had a Triumph ordered or maybe a BSA or maybe a Black Shadow. When it arrived, it was a Black Shadow. Bud rode a 1950, 30.50 ci (500 cc) Indian Warrior. After seeing the Shadow and riding on it, he decided he wanted a Vincent. The Rapide, a slower version of the Black Shadow, was capable of 115 MPH instead of the 128 MPH. Our Black Shadow was available in black or Chinese Red. Bud liked red so that was what he ordered. It wasn’t too long before it arrived! We talked about riding somewhere distant. We finally decided the Gypsy Tour at Sturgis, South Dakota, which was held in August, would be a great place to go. Also, it was the Five Mile National Flat Track Race.

The ‘sickle’ clubs that we belonged to met on the same night, so Bud and I agreed to meet at the Indian shop that night after club meetings and head west, young man, head west! So with rain suits (actually a 2-piece plastic fishing suit guaranteed to LEAK) strapped to the front fender and bed rolls tied on the rear fenders, we headed out. No chase vehicles, no tents, no reservations, no schedules, no 4-lane interstates and no electric starters. All we knew was that we had to be in Sturgis on

Saturday. We left approximately 9:30 PM local time on Thursday night. We weren’t even sure of the actual mileage - -only that it was well within our reach. We rode Vincents!! We left Mankato, Thursday 7 August traveling on MN highway 83 to its junction with MN highway 15 south of New Ulm. This joined US 14 at New Ulm. US 14 would lead us to Sturgis, SD. The road was good for 1952, but somewhere

ahead of us in MN, there was a construction area. I think it was west of Tracy, MN, that we found the road construction. As I recall, the hard surface road ended and became a rough gravel road with lots of chuck holes. We rode sideby-side and left the dust behind. Gravel roads were never a big deal. We reached the MN-SD state line just north of Elkton, SD and decided to call it a night. We had gotten through the construction area and were back on solid roads by this time. We went south to Elkton, two miles, where we found a vacant gas station with a nice canopy over the driveway. Spread our bedrolls out and quickly went to sleep. 137 miles from Mankato to Elkton. The sun was just coming up when we awoke, rolled the bedrolls, fired up the bikes and headed for Brookings, SD and breakfast. We parked outside a café and went in. A couple of people came in behind us and sat down. First question from them was “How are the Harleys running?” And before breakfast!! The Indian dealer had given us monogrammed shirts. Not ‘T’ shirts, but regular shirts, monogrammed “Vincent Marshall Indian Sales, Mankato, Minnesota.” Bud’s shirt was red to match his bike. My shirt, which I still have, is black. We both had our shirts on. We explained they weren’t Harleys but British bikes. The fellow who asked said he hadn’t looked at the tank name - - just observed they were red and black - - - SHEESH!!

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

After breakfast we headed west again. Rode into Huron and as we made our way thru, the local law stopped us. Now what did we do?? We went thru towns well below the posted speed. It seems the law was well aware of how fast those funny looking British bikes could go! We must have had a worried look because as the Chief of Police came up, he said, “Don’t worry, you didn’t do anything wrong. I’m the local dealer and if you need anything, the shop is just down the street and to the left.” I remember it was the left but I don’t remember how many blocks. We headed west again. We must have eaten dinner (“lunch” for all you city folks) someplace before Pierre. (That’s pronounced “Peer,” thank you.) We had been dodging rain showers. You could see the showers coming across the prairie, so we adjusted speed so we could try to slip between them. West of Pierre we pulled into a schoolyard and stretched. School houses out on the prairie weren’t locked at the time. They left them open in case of bad weather and people needing some shelter. Blizzards are real deadly in the country. People had camped there, taken breaks like us. So we weren’t the only people who had been there. Lots of “thank you’s,” names and addresses written on the black boards. Looked like everybody had cleaned, swept and not left any mess. We made a mental note to spend the night

there on the way back to MN. We ran anywhere from 15 MPH in town to 100 MPH out in the open areas. Now being west of the Missouri River, we had open areas. Vincents were designed to cruise 80 to 85 MPH, or some speed there abouts!!! We dodged some more rain showers and headed for the Badlands. Stopped at some scenic overlooks; awesome, unbelievable! Sure different scenery than in MN. Went thru the Badlands on Alternate US highway 16. It was later afternoon when we got to Wall and ate supper. Had to do the tourist thing!! Wall has just gotten bigger over the years. We left Wall on US 16 and headed for Rapid City. Still have 90 miles to Sturgis. Maybe we’ll get there tonight and maybe not. We’ve pushed a lot of miles today. Not like some who push the miles down the interstates. We had to slow down about every 15-20 miles for a town and general store. Went through Rapid City where we fueled the bikes. Also inquired

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

about a place to spend the night. We found a roadside tourist cabin to sleep in Friday night at Schafferville. It was between Rapid City and Black Hawk. There used to be a sign there but it’s gone now. It wasn’t an official town but a number of people named Schaffer lived in the area. There still is a street named Schaffer on the left side of SD79 when you head towards Black Hawk from Rapid City. Elkton to Black Hawk thru Badlands: 444 miles, 22 more to Sturgis. We slept late and probably arrived in Sturgis Saturday morning between 9 and 10 AM, Mountain Time. Approximately 603 miles and no interstates. Bud always said each of us had used about 9 gallons of gas on the trip out. I never kept track, but according to specifications on the Vincents we could expect up to 70 miles per gallon. If Bud was right on his numbers, this figures out to around 67 mpg. Not too shabby for a high performance bike on regular octane gas. If we had missed one fill

of probably 3 gallons for a total of 12 gallons each, that would figure out to about 50 mpg. Still not too shabby! ! Don’t remember all that we did on Saturday. I know we stopped at the Indian Shop [Ed: probably Pappy Hoel’s.] While there, we each bought a T-shirt. Should have gotten two, one to wear and one to save. We had to do a little repair on Bud’s Rapide. He had hit a chuck hole in the Badlands and bent the front axle somehow. I was behind him when he hit it and I think it was more like a wolf-hole. Daylight under both front and rear. We switched the axles from front to back. We got the front axle straightened a little bit. Between that and swapping ends, it didn’t wobble so bad. At least we’ll get home without any trouble. The half mile flat track race was Saturday afternoon. Only thing that sticks in my mind was that one rider had a tire go flat, then come off the rim. He didn’t drop the bike but

rode to the pit area with the tire and tube hanging alongside on the fork. Good show!! I don’t remember what we did after the races. Probably went and got some chow. I know there was a dance at the Armory later that day. We looked in on the dance, watched people walking around the streets (these people had clothes on!) Dance and a place to sleep and no charge! Boy, these Sturgis people sure know how to enjoy the simpler pleasures. Things sure have changed today! We went back to where the Vincents were parked in amongst the cars. Bikes and cars mingled and coexisted. We fired up the bikes, took a little ride to Black Hawk, turned around and headed back to Sturgis. No traffic so it was a peaceful ride. Only one porcupine and he looked like he wasn’t overly social. We went back to the big tent north of the Indian shop, unrolled the bed rolls and went to sleep. Didn’t even get a beer-it wasn’t in the budget. Bud and I were the only two who slept in the tent that quiet Saturday night. Sunday morning we fired up the Vincents and rode over to Deadwood through Boulder

Canyon. We ate breakfast at a restaurant situated at the junction of Boulder Canyon and US 385. Food must have been good and the price sensible-I don’t remember. I had to have a souvenir and there was the perfect one-a genuine Black Hills ash tray shaped like a coiled rattlesnake. It was pretty life like-no red eyes or glossy finish like I have seen. Guaranteed to jump start your heart if you noticed it in a semi-dark room. It was small enough to fit in a leather jacket’s pocket and it only cost $0.49. Just checked the price that’s written on the bottom. I still have the ash tray-never used it. After eating we rode thru Deadwood over to Terraville and the Central City area. There was a tunnel between this area and Lead. The local people used the tunnel as a short cut to Lead. It was for walking only. We had better head back to Sturgis for the afternoon of racing. We took one last run down Main and then headed for the track. Grandstand was full! Main Street of Sturgis wasn’t as crowded then as it is now-2009. Who’d have ever thought that it would become what it is today. When we talked about riding to Sturgis, a couple of the

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

other local riders wanted to know why we would want to go there. I guess we were far ahead of time. It was a fine afternoon for racing. Lots of “Tall Dogs” (expert riders) in attendance. Experts included Dick Klamfoth, Paul Goldsmith, Billy Huber, Everett Brashear (eventual winner of the 1952, 5-mile flat track championship), Paul Albrecht, Bill Tuman and others. Bill Tuman had set a new track record in 1951 of 28:05. Paul Albrecht set a new record of 27:285 in 1952. Brashear won the five mile National, Albrecht was second and Tommy Byars was third. Sepulocda won the 5-mile amateur, Morris Burton was second and Bob Smith was third. I had written all this down, along with the times, on my souvenir program. There were 21 Expert Riders that day: 10 Harleys, 4 BSAs, 3 Indian, 3 Triumphs and 1 Norton riders. There were 17 Amateurs: 12 Harleys, 3 Triumphs and 2 Indian riders. The races were ending and it sure was getting dark. Looked to the northwest (behind the grandstand) OH MY, that is the blackest cloud I’ve ever seen. We’re leaving now! -actually 10 minutes ago. Headed towards Rapid City; maybe we can outrun that storm. Doing pretty good, legal speed thru the little towns but we won’t discuss the open country. YAHOO!, still doing good but Rapid City is coming up. Nice and legal speed now. Got thru Rapid City and headed for Box Elder. But the cloud and rain caught us. Instantly wet and a complete bath and “sickle” wash at no charge! I opened the throttle and moved out briskly, but something didn’t feel right. I had a sneaking suspicion that I’m on top of the water doing a hydroplaning act. OH MY, NOT A GOOD FEELING!! Closed down the throttle slowly and waited until the bike comes down thru the water and things feel different. Never had that experience before and never had it again, and don’t want it again!!! Apparently my weight of 125 lbs, the Vincent’s weight of 455,

the speed of 75 mph and the heavy rain all combined for that pucker operation. Bud didn’t experience it but he was about 75 to 100 lbs heavier. Anyhow it was a learning operation. Good thing it was a straight road!!! Late in the evening we got to the school house west of Pierre. This was where we had paused on the way out. It was approximately 180 miles from Sturgis. We had dried off by this time!! We spent the night in the school house and nobody bothered us. We awoke a little after sunrise, swept the floor

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

(had to leave it cleaner than we found it). We wrote our thanks on the blackboard and headed for Pierre for gas, then breakfast. Headed east from Pierre but about 10 miles out I remembered that I had left my camera hanging on the coat rack. Blame it on the distraction of a pretty waitress. I caught up with Bud and told him I had to go back and get it so he said he would have a cigarette while he was waiting. I turned around and headed back at a high rate of speed. I reached down to pull open the second petcock on the gas tank.

By doing this I assured that each cylinder was receiving maximum fuel. Shouldn’t have done that. As soon as I pulled the petcock open it fell apart in my hand. Then worse troubles-I dropped the petcock at 80 mph! Now I have fuel streaming out of a full, 4-gallon tank. I pulled the compression lever to shut the engine off. Engine is stopped, bike is getting slower. Now there is only one thing left-to get the fuel stopped. I laid the bike over on its side with the broken fuel valve at the highest level of the tank. Now I had time to look around for something to plug the opening on the valve. There was an old dried weed stem (no good), then I finally found a small stick which I could whittle down to fit the opening. While I was getting the fuel under control, another rider came from the west. He had eaten at the same café and stopped to see if he could help. I asked if he could get my camera from the restaurant if I gave him a note saying it was OK for him to pick it up and explain that I had a problem right now. But I was getting a handle on that. The young rider left on the camera mission and Bud showed up looking for me. We didn’t even go looking for the petcock parts which I’m sure were in the tall ditch grass. Finetuned the plug so that it wouldn’t slip out and cause any more troubles. The young rider returned with the camera but said they didn’t really want to let him have it until after he explained my current problem. Couldn’t blame them any, but this was the old days when people were honest! Looks like the wooden plug will work smashingly! We’re back on the trail again, heading for Appleton, MN, and things are looking good. One of the Motor Maids passed us, accompanied by a couple of other riders. She was on a British vertical twin with megaphones, heavy on the MEGA-very loud. Bud’s in-laws lived in Appleton and his wife had driven there from Mankato to visit her parents. We were supposed to stop for supper if

we got there at a respectable timenot midnight. The roadside plug was doing well with only some seepage. We left Appleton headed for New Ulm, MN. Somewhere after dark we were running single file when Bud flushed up a bird from the shoulder. It came back and hit me on my shoulder and side of my face. I had time to duck so I wasn’t hurt. It looked like a screech owl and I don’t think the bird was hurt either. The only time in all my years of riding that I was involved in a ‘hit and fly’ accident.

As we got near New Ulm, south of town, Bud headed for Mankato and I headed home to Madelia. We survived! This was the start of many trips to South Dakota, the Black Hills and Sturgis. We finally moved to the Black Hills area in 1985. The Vincent, about which this story is written is on display in the motorsickle [Sturgis Motorcycle] Museum. It is still owned by our family! Leo/2009

Rumors about Vincents: As Vincents were hinged in the middle (pivot for rear suspension is under seat), the wheel base was always changing that would cause you to crash, especially on turns and corners. This was told to me by a factory representative. My observation was that it wasn’t true-I never had any problems. Guess which factory rep said that? Vincents were so fast that some cities banned them. Supposedly nobody could buy, own or ride them in these areas. If you could hold a Black Shadow wide open for five or ten miles (depending on which story

you heard), the Company would give you the bike. YAH, SURE!!! This was not a rumor. Torque on Vincents, especially 1st gear, was horrendous. When you passed slower vehicles in town, you moved over into the clear lane, then applied the throttle-not the other way around. If you didn’t move over before cracking the throttle, the Vincent didn’t swerve and you could be inspecting a chrome bumper or the rear end of a vehicle very closely. First and second gear were used a lot when riding in town.

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Pearl’s new home on the tree Last summer, visitors to Sturgis may have noticed a new addition that helped welcome visitors to the area. It’s a likeness of J.C. “Pappy” Hoel carved into a tree in front of Gypsie Vintage Cycles on Junction Avenue in Sturgis. Commissioned by owner Coe Meyer after a winter storm left a 200 year-old tree damaged to the point of only leaving the main “Y” and the main trunk in existence, the carving was completed last spring. But that’s only half of the story. When the “Pappy” portion of the tree was completed, it left the other half of the giant “Y” waiting. This spring, the wait is over. The second half of that giant “Y” is now a likeness of Pappy’s wife, Pearl. The story of how that artwork came about is told here in Coe’s own words.

In 2008, I was approached by Ann Niven and asked to chair a defunked committee formed to create a Pappy Hoel statue. After reviewing the thick file, I realized that as far back as the late ‘60s, the idea of a commemorative statue had been in the works. Over the years, the location could not be agreed upon and I declined the offer out of respect for the Hoels and their simple way of getting things done. Pappy and Pearl now stand proudly in the front yard of their former home adjacent to the shop they built. They welcome everyone to our fair city known near and far as the motorcycle capital of the universe. These silent sentinels represent all that is good about motorcycling and the brotherhood they helped build. The completion of the Pappy & Pearl Hoel carving exemplifies the spirit and contrast of the rally itself. Pappy stands tall and serious (a pose taken from a 1940s race track photo). His body language seems to say “You’re in my town…behave.” Pearl, on the other hand, is all about “Welcome to Sturgis…have fun!” To my knowledge, both statues and statements are well-suited to the individuals depicted. They were the rally founders, and their will directed this rally for many years. Welcome to Sturgis. Behave and have fun... for another 75 years.

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

2015 Rally Trivia

How much do you know about motorcycles? 1. Which of the following motorcycles was first to be manufactured? a. Harley-Davidson b. Indian c. Excelsior d. Honda

8. Which of the following is not associated with Harley-Davidson? a. Motor Company b. Milwaukee c. Shovelhead d. Super-X

14. What Harley did Arnold Schwarzenegger ride in Terminator 2? a. Springer Softail b. Heritage Springer c. Sportster 1200 Sport d. Fat Boy

2. What style bike was featured in the movie Easy Rider? a. Cruiser b. Chopper c. Sportbike d. Touring bike

9. Which was not part of the Big-3? a. Harley-Davidson b. Indian c. Excelsior d. Honda

15. Yamaha began exporting to the USA in what year? a. 1955 b. 1960 c. 1965 d. 1970

3. What did BMW make before they made motorcycles? a. Cars b. Boats c. Machine tools d. Airplane engines 4. What brand is HOG associated with? a. BMW b. Honda c. Harley-Davidson d. Kawasaki

Answers on Page 128

5. Which of the following is not a major motorcycle rally? a. Sturgis b. Laconia c. Daytona d. Williamsport 6. Gold Wing is associated with what brand? a. BMW b. Honda c. Harley-Davidson d. Kawasaki 7. What is a Ninja? a. Kawasaki b. Honda c. Yamaha d. Suzuki

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum â&#x20AC;˘ 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

10. What is Biker Billy known for? a. Food b. Racing c. Making movies d. Designing motorcycles 11. What year did Indian Motorcycles host the world reveal of its new Indian Chief models at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum? a. 2011 b. 2012 c. 2013 d. 2014 12. H-D was merged with AMF from 1969 to 1981. What does AMF stand for? a. American Motorcycle Fender b. American Machine and Foundry c. Allstate Machine Folders d. Asian Motors Federation 13. Name the order of introduction of the following H-D engines starting with the earliest. a. Flathead, Panhead, Knucklehead, Shovelhead b. Panhead, Flathead, Knucklehead, Shovelhead c. Flathead, Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead d. Shovelhead, Flathead, Knucklehead, Panhead

16. Yamaha was originally known for what product? a. Musical Instruments b. Boats c. Furniture d. Motorcycles 17. The parent company of Yamaha, Nippon Gakki, was founded in what year? a. 1897 b. 1907 c. 1927 d. 1947 18. Victory Motorcycles celebrated a landmark anniversary on July 4th, 2013. What was that anniversary? a. 10 years b. 15 years c. 20 years d. 25 years 19. Which of the following is not made by BMW? a. R-Bikes b. K-Bikes c. Funduro d. J-Bikes 20. In what year was the first BMW introduced? a. 1903 b. 1913 c. 1923 d. 1933

STURGIS SWAP MEET

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605-578-2708 www.nemoguestranch.com email: nemo@nemoguestranch.com

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

“Pappy” Hoel: By Christine Paige Diers The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Photos from Pearl Hoel Collection

While Sturgis and the motorcycle rally held here every year is well-known in pretty much all motorcycling circles, the same may not be true of the man who is credited with starting the whole thing. J.C. “Pappy” Hoel was born and raised right in Sturgis, South Dakota. He didn’t set out to start what is arguably the most famous motorcycle rally in the world, but it certainly ended up being a happy coincidence for the town where he lived and for thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts. J.C. – or Clarence as he was first known to friends and family – originally took over his father’s business and became the local ice man. It was before the advent of refrigerators, and the Hoel family owned dams in Vanocker Canyon south of Sturgis. It was there that they would painstakingly cut and harvest blocks of ice throughout the winter. Those blocks were then stored in the ice house and insulated with hay and sawdust until summer came and local households and businesses needed the ice to keep their food fresh. Pappy would spend his summers delivering ice to the town and nearby Fort Meade. While electronic refrigeration devices were available in the early 1900s, they were dangerous, expensive and not at all common. Improvements in

technology were coming though, and Clarence could see that the refrigerator would soon become commonplace, and the iceman would become obsolete. He was right. At the beginning of the 1930s, only 8% of American households had a refrigerator. By the end of the decade, that number had risen to 44%. Hoel had always liked motorcycles, and had owned a number of “basket case” two-wheelers in the past. He wrote to the Indian Motorcycle Company and requested to be the local dealer. The company required their dealers to have one motorcycle that people could test

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

ride, so Hoel convinced a friend to purchase one and have it available to him. That was the start of his business. It was the 1930s, so not a lot of folks were making major purchases, but Pappy’s shop was open and people would stop in – mostly to visit. He and some of his customers and other riders around the area decided they should start a riding club. While this group had been meeting and even hosting local races, the first official meeting of the club was held on January 21, 1938. The minutes from that first meeting indicate that Hoel was the temporary

President, and other officers were elected then. The club was also named at the first meeting – the name Jackpine Gypsies beat out “Bearcats” and “Coyotes” (Hoel’s suggestion). It wasn’t long after that first meeting when the group started planning an AMA sanctioned race for August of that same year. While Hoel was only President of the group for that first meeting (he was replaced at the very next meeting – one has to assume because he didn’t want the office), he continued to be involved in the planning of that first race. Later, he worked with local business leaders to plan events around the races. Those business men were excited to have the visitors the races brought to town frequent their locales. Pappy continued to be a driving force behind the annual races and rally for many years to come. He rode through flaming walls of wood to entertain the crowds that came to see the races. He spent countless hours announcing happenings on Main Street, and he was always available to any motorcyclist who needed help when they came to town. While Pappy preferred hill climbs, trials and even trick riding to dirt track racing for himself, it didn’t keep him from sponsoring other racers throughout the years and spending lots of time at various tracks around the country. After the Indian Motorcycle Company folded in 1953, Pappy was franchised to sell the Royal Enfield Indians that were built in England. Problems with distribution meant that endeavor didn’t last too long.

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

He then became a Yamaha dealer and developed an exceptional relationship with that company. He continued to sell Yamaha motorcycles until his retirement in 1970. Pappy continued to be a part of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and to promote the event right up until his death in 1989. Pappy himself, in his book “Life’s Bits & Pieces,” admits that his recognition for promoting the rally meant a lot to him. He says, “Among my many trophies I am most proud of the plaques presented me by Black Hills and Badlands Association, the City of Sturgis, the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce, and the Black Hills Motor Classic for various activities they felt promoted better motorcycling and benefits to the Black Hills and my hometown of Sturgis.”

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

2015 Rally Wordcross Solution on Page 128

ACROSS 1. Sculptor of Mount Rushmore 3. Nickname of J.C. who owned the Indian dealership in 1938 7. Sturgis Police Chief 10. Where you’ll end up if you ride Vanocker Canyon out of Sturgis 12. Original dessert at early rallies 14. Name of circular bridges on Iron Mountain Road 18. Black Hills town on National Register of Historic Places 20. Largest reservoir in the Black Hills 22. Motorcycle Club credited with starting the rally 26. What normally is raced on the original track where the races were held 27. High handlebars now legal in SD 29. First Lady of the Rally 30. Gives the motorcycle gas 31. What you sew on your vest 33. Sacred Mountain close to Sturgis

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

DOWN 2. Street that is motorcycle only during the rally 4. Month when the Sturgis Rally is held 5. President mountain carving 6. Number of racers in the original race 8. Winner gets this 9. Rapid City Motorcycle club in the 1930’s 10. Time of daily Main Street Photo 11. Another name for a sidecar 13. This is the 75th 15. Slang for a helmet 16. Name of canyon from Sturgis to Deadwood 17. Winner of 1938 race 19. What did Pappy Hoel sell before he sold motorcycles 21. Where the Sturgis Half-Mile track is located 23. County where Sturgis is located 24. Name of current Sturgis Mayor 25. Name of the large gold mine located in Lead 28. Creator of the Officlal Sturgis Rally logo 32. Biker slang for a car 34. Number of exits into Sturgis off of I-90

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Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Caves of the Black Hills By Wayne Paananen Historic Footprints

If you’re interested in seeing some natural beauty in the Black Hills, you’ll find six major commercial caves in the area – some of them among the largest in the world. Jewel Cave National Monument is the second largest cave in the world with 166 miles of mapped passages and rooms. Wind Cave National Park is the sixth largest cave in the world with 140 miles of mapped passages and rooms. The other caves, although smaller, offer their own unique geological formations. So, what is it that makes the natural wonders? All of the caves in the Black Hills are found in limestone formations that were laid down by inland seas that covered the area more than 200 million years ago. When the Black Hills were thrust up over 14,000 feet about 65 million years ago it allowed acidic water to start seeping deep into the cracked limestone. The water ever so slowly dissolved the limestone. This highly mineralized water started to produce a wide variety of rock formations. Some were created below the water level, while others created strange shapes by the dripping water that was full of dissolved calcite. As the water evaporated it left a very small layer of calcite and other minerals. This combination worked for the next 65 million years to create a strange but beautiful silent world underground. Wind Cave was discovered in 1881 by two cowboys when they heard wind whistling as it blew out of a hole in a rock wall. The wind is created when the surrounding area is experiencing high atmospheric pressure that blows air into the cave. Under low atmospheric pressure the air is forced out of the cave. This is how caves breathe. Alvin Mc Donald was the first

to explore Wind Cave starting in 1890, and the cave was opened to its first paying customers just two years later. The cost was one dollar, a very high price at the time. In 1903 Wind Cave became the first cave to be designated as a National Park. At the bottom of Wind Cave some 550 feet down is a lake, which is really the top of the Madison aquifer. This water is quiet and still. As the air moves over the water it allows the calcite to precipitate out of the water and form a paper thin patch of what is called “Calcite Ice.” Over time it is gently pushed to the shore and when stepped on it breaks just like glass. Tours of the Cave are available year-round. During the summer a special spelunking tour is offered to those that really want to see the wild portion of the cave. It’s not for anyone that can’t stand being in small spaces. Jewel Cave became a National Monument in 1908 and is now ranked as the second largest cave in the world. As late as 1959 Jewel Cave was considered one of the prettiest

Courtesy SD Tourism

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

small caves with only two miles of mapped passages, then Herb and Jan Conn came along to do some real exploring and found another 64 miles of cave. Today, Jewel Cave has 166 miles of mapped passages. Rushmore Cave also offers special spelunking tours as well as the guided tour. Others caves include Sitting Bull Crystal Caverns, Wonderland Cave with its 40 foot icicle fence and Black Hills Caverns. All of these caves offer a wide range of stunning geological formations including stalagmites, stalactites, frost work, aragonite, spar crystals, calcite crystals, popcorn formations, dogtooth spar crystals, flowstone, box work, helictites, and logomites just to mention a few. Any of the caves in the Black Hills offer a great opportunity to explore the great geographical wonders that are the Black Hills. They are all well-lighted and safe, and they all offer friendly guides that are wellversed with the geological background that caused their creation.

60 Million Years in the Making S BIKERL L I W IT! LOVE

Cool off and enjoy the guided tour!

Sturgis • Exit 32 in beautiful Vanocker Canyon

605-578-1728

wonderlandcavesouthdakota.com

“Where Drag Racing Meets the Wild West”

2015 Sturgis ally Motorcycle R Drag Races (Metrics Welcome)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1

Move In 9am-Noon: Drag Racing School, 1pm-4pm: Test & Tune 5pm-7pm: “Run What Ya Brung”

SUNDAY, AUGUST 2

1pm-5pm: Qualifying 6pm-8pm: Gamblers Races

MONDAY, AUGUST 3

1pm-6pm: Eliminations, Finals 5pm: “King of Sturgis Drags”

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4 Held open for Rain Make up Day

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5 Private Event

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6 S&S Cycle Demo Rides

Come join the excitement, sme fun and l and meet the lrathe nitro cers!

Many of the Top Motorcycle Rac around the coun ers from try and some fo re ig n countries will be participat ing in this year’s unprecedented event. 9 Classes rangin g from ET all the way to To p Fuel Nitro, Classes for both American Muscl e and Metrics, so there should be a class for virtually everyo ne!! Stay Tuned to w ww.sturgisdrag s.com and/or www.BHDRA.c om for further in formation, Class Sponsors , Payout’s, and additional announcements .

For More Information, Contact: Jerry Kutil – 605-431-8672 or jerryqball@aol.com or Bill McGrew – 336-409-9097

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Hall of Fame Inductees PRE 2001

t T. Curtin • Mary Shephard Cutrigh Al Burke • Mike Corbin • Wayne pain Des e Dav • is Dav Jim • n Ernie Beckman • Cliff Boswell • idson • Willie G. Davidso Dav A. liam Wil • n Hill idso by Dav Bob ter • liam S. Harley • Arthur Davidson • Wal ore • Linda “Jo” Giovannoni • Wil Gilm der” “Sli k foth Dic • Klam da k Dic Fon • r Jr. b • Harry Kelley, • Chet Dykgraff • Pete • Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Clu l Hoe rl on Pea • l Nix y Hoe Gar ” • ppy erg “Pa terb J.C. • Pete Hill • Edward “Ed” Net nard • Dick Mann • Arlen Ness • n • Ed “Iron Man” Kretz, Sr. • Joe Leo inson • Rip Rose • John “Tom” Sifto Rob Dot • erts Rob ny Ken • e Pric Ray • an Sr. Tum ins, Bill • Perk • Joe Parkhurst • Dudley th, Sr. • Walter & Lucille Timme in “Smitty” Smith • George J. Smi • Donnie Smith • E.C. Smith • Erw Dave Zien (WI) • Ed Youngblood • State Senator

2001

thorse Campbell (CO) Jim Betlach • U.S. Senator Ben Nigh • Neil Hultman t Erns k Fran • Woody Carson • ian Jeff” McGeary “Ind • (SD) low Jank iam • Governor Will witz Pere e Dav • • Eddie Miller Family Rudd Tom • (SD) am Putn Jim • State Senator Walker ny Pen • • Genevieve Schmitt • Rey Sotelo

2002

cle Association David Campos • Christian Motorcy op • Jay Leno Hot Don • Fox • Malcolm Forbes • Fred mond • Bob Moore • Branscombe Rich (WI) on mps Tho • Governor Tommy

2003

• Gary Bang American Motorcyclist Association Reg Kittrelle • ler Daim tlieb Got • • Max Bubeck eary O’L • Jon Kosmoski • Dick ard (NH) • State Representative Sherman Pack Vodden Don • n Bure Van usta Aug and • Adeline

2004

• The Earley Family Annie Brokaw • John Paul DeJoria • Dave Mann field Hat • Harry’s Motors • Jerry • Dal Smilie ds San y Perr • er mey • Bruce Ross ire • Bill Walterm

2005

da Keith “Bandit” Ball • Soichiro Hon lure McC llis Phy and Jim • ter • Michael Lich Walker Family The • er Park t Scot • Inc. ds, Mai • Motor

2006

John Reed Marge Hummel • John Parham • n gstee Sprin Jay • Pelaquin • Sam “Morgan” Storm & Sonny

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

2007

tain Robbie Knievel Chris Carr • Bob Illingworth • Kap er Shokouh Oliv • y Peav a Lind • • Al Nelson

2008

rlie St. Clair Becky Brown • Kenny Price • Cha -Simmons mer Som • Malcolm Smith • Cristine off gelh Spie ny John ling • Smi

2009

Kimzey James Clark • Cookie Crum • Lou Walksler Dale • • Jack Kirchgesler • John Lehman

2010

Ron McKinley Nancy Davidson • Betsy Lister • i” Mike Tomas “Kiw • pson Sim Stan • • Roger Schieman

2011

vel • Michael Prugh Don Emde • Del Hofer • Evel Knie garet Wilson Mar • Gloria Struck • Mike &

2012

& Laura Klock • Ed Kretz Jr. Dave Barr • Buzz Kanter • Brian Stratman Ron • l Pieh e • Stev

2013

ing • Marjoe Gortner Russ Brown • Rick Fairless • Bill Gikl • Lonnie Isam

2014

Lightning • Keith Terry Clyde Fessler • Jesse Jurrens • Jay l Yaffee Pau • tt True nie • Bon tanding Achievement Award Recipient Italics indicate J.C. “Pappy” Hoel Outs rd Bold indicates Founders Awa

Hired in 1971 to run the first motorcycle rights association ABATE. Served as editor of Easy Riders Magazine and 14 other publications. Currently operates www.bikernet.com.

Credited with creating the first motorcycle aftermarket catalogue in the late 1960s. If he didn’t have it in his catalog, it was well-known that he knew where to find it.

GARY BANG

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST ASSOCIATION

With more than 250,000 members, boasts an unparalleled history of pursuing, protecting and promoting the interests of motorcycling enthusiasts. The AMA is the leading defender of motorcyclists’ rights in the US.

KEITH BALL

are the first set of cards. You’ll find the first 34 of the set in this year’s magazine. We’ll continue to include these in subsequent years.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame is very rich in history. While people may know some of those who have been inducted over the past years, many remain a mystery. We decided that we should create a way to share these great accomplishments in motorcycling with you. So, we’ve created the Hall of Fame Collector Card Series. The cards on the next few pages

Hall of Fame Collector Cards

DAVE BARR

A double amputee who has ridden around the world, across Russia in the winter, and to the four farthest points of Australia. He holds two Guinness World Records and authored two books.

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Quite likely participated in more forms of motorcycling than any other woman in America. She rode East coast road tours, an enduro, a trials, drag races, dirt track, ice racing and road racing. Brokaw died in 2007.

Brown founded WOMEN IN THE WIND (W.I.T.W.), the International women’s motorcycle organization. The organization not only united women riders, but promoted a comfortable way for more women to get into riding.

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

PRE -20

01 20

BECKY BROWN

CLIFF BOSWELL

Through articles and books he was able to educate others in traveling and camping by motorcycle. This resulted in his founding the International Brotherhood of Motorcycle Campers.

ANNIE BROKAW

JIM BETLACH

Spent over 40 years in the motorcycle industry working for industy giant Drag Specialties first, then working with Paisano Publications to produce and direct the only dealer-only trade show for V-Twin motorcycles.

A member of Indian Motorcycle’s “Wrecking Crew,” he was the last man to win a national championship on an Indian Motorcycle at an eight-mile race in 1953 in Williams Grove, PA.

PRE -20

ERNIE BECKMAN

RUSS BROWN

Created BAM, a free breakdown and legal assistance service for motorcyclists with nearly two million members who are available to assist each other in the event of a breakdown or other emergency roadside need.

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Became the fastest man on two wheels with his 2006 land speed record of 354 mph at Bonneville. Prior to that, he enjoyed a long racing career, holding 7 Grand National dirt track titles.

A long-time enthusiast, he began restoring antique motorcycles in 1943. He’s been a regional director of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America and hosted the first regional antique show for that club.

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

02 20 02

PRE -20

WOODY CARSON

DAVID CAMPOS

A rider and racer from the time he was 13, he held the land speed record of 322 miles per hour from 1990 until the record was broken in 2006.

CHRIS CARR

AL BURKE

Was the youngest rider attending the Black Hills Classic in 1949, the same year he started racing. He was 15. Retired from racing in 1963 after holding his national pro number 91 for 10 years.

Made his mark competing in enduro races from 1937 to 1979. He rode a remarkable 135.58 mph doing speed trials on his Indian Chief. Bubeck died at the age of 94 in 2011.

03 20

MAX BUBECK

CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION

Founded in 1972 when Herb Schreve and his son purchased their first motorcycles, the aim of the CMA is to “Change the world, one heart at a time.”

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Served as the Motorcycle Riders Foundation Vice President of Government Relations from 1988 through early 1998 where he became the first full-time lobbyist for motorcyclists in Washington, DC.

Created and built what many consider to be the first motorcycle which traveled 7.5 miles in Germany in 1885. He is considered one of the fathers of the industry that mobilized the world.

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum â&#x20AC;˘ 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

09 20 01

PRE -20

GOTTLEIB DAIMLER

COOKIE CRUM

Started riding the Wall in the Motor Drome at the age of 18. She spent several years traveling with the show. Later, she and her husband owned a Harley-Davidson dealership in Medford, Oregon.

PRE -20

WAYNE CURTIN

MIKE CORBIN

Designed and built his first motorcycle seat in 1968 and continues to build seats today. He is also recognized for his advances in safety, apparel, furnishings and automobiles.

PRE -20

Founder and President of James Gaskets, Inc. Credited with developing sealing technology that eliminated the historical problem of leaking on HarleyDavidson motorcycles. James passed away in September of 2007.

09 20

JAMES CLARK

ARTHUR DAVIDSON

Teaming up with boyhood friend William S. Harley, Arthur was the first of the Davidson brothers to join in the production of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. He later would head up their sales division.

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum â&#x20AC;˘ 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

The grandson of one of the original founders, he is generally credited for developing the unique motorcycle designs that kept Harley-Davidson motorcycles selling while the company completed its technological and manufacturing improvements.

A factory racer from 1926 to 1938 for either Indian or Harley-Davidson (whoever would pay him more). Won 17 National Championships, received 180 medals, raced 1500 races and put on 30,000 miles.

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

PRE -20

JIM DAVIS

WILLIAM DAVIDSON

A mechanic by trade, he was the last of the Davidson brothers to join the Harley-Davidson venture. He served as works manager and was in charge of ordering manufacturing equipment for the company.

WILLIE G. DAVDISON

A machinist by trade, he worked in railroad shops before lending his talent to the creation of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. He was a well-known competition rider on hill, road and track.

PRE -20

The wife of Willie G., Nancy has been a passionate and devoted ambassador for the sport of motorcycling and an inspiration to women who have shared the passion for riding from the passenger seat.

WALTER DAVIDSON

PRE -20

10 20

NANCY DAVIDSON

JOHN PAUL DEJORIA

Well-known entrepreneur and noted “rags to riches” founder of Paul Mitchell Systems and other companies who attributes his skills, as well as his desire to accomplish important and humane acts, to his motorcycling background.

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Eddie Miller, his wife Helen and their children Dan, Jerry, Ken and Allen were a family that served as one of the mainstays of the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club.

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

04 20

PRE -20

Raced as a pro starting in 1969, and set numerous records with his Daytona 200 win in 1972. Emde and his father became the only father son pair ever to win the Daytona 200.

DON EMDE

EARLEY FAMILY

Local Sturgis family whose members were active in the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in numerous ways. Father Lloyd and sons Bob and Gunner each played active roles in promoting the annual event in their hometown.

EDDIE MILLER FAMILY

One of the nation’s top racers right after World War II. While the 1946 Springfield Mile was his only national championship, he was known for winning numerous regional events in the Midwest.

Long time motor sports broadcaster with a lifelong love of motorcycles. Worked for the AMA in the PR department before moving on to broadcast for CBS, ESPN and Speed Channel.

CHET DYKGRAFF

PRE -20

DAVE DESPAIN

FRANK ERNST

A strong leader in the motorcyclist’s rights movement, serving on the boards of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists, ABATE of Minnesota, the Minnesota Governor’s Advisory Committee and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.

Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame Inductees

The Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame recognizes the sacrifi ces individuals across the nation, and world, have made to protect the rights of those who ride. To honor these Freedom Fighte rs the Sturgis Motorcycle Museu m & Hall of Fame established the nation’s first and only FREEDOM FIGHTERS HALL OF FAME. Arizona Ralph “Sonny” Barger Arkansas Rodney Roberts

Iowa Dick “Slider” Gilmore Kentucky Jay Huber

California NY Myke, John Paliwoda, “Deacon” Dave Phillips, Ron Rolo ff

Maine Paul K. Vestal, Gordon “Sonny” Bridges

Colorado Mark Buckner, Deb “Tiger” Chandl er

Michigan Angel Richardson, Representative James Barcia

Connecticut Donald “Pappy” Pittsley, John “Rogue” Herlihy District of Columbia Senator Olympia Snow, Beverly Waters, Tom Wyld Florida James “Doc” Reichenbach, Elizabeth “Boots” Buchholz Illinois Todd Vandermyde, Rich “Neb” Nebelsick Indiana Michael Farabaugh, Jay Jackson, Rodney Taylor

Minnesota Governor Arnie Carlson, Bob Illingworth, John Sullivan, Bob Summer, Representative Tom Workman Montana Glen Fengstad Nevada Fredric Harrell, “Still Ray” Fitzgerald New Mexico Dennis “Big D” Watson North Carolina Rick Nail

Ohio Gary Sellers, Bill Bish Oregon Butch Harbaugh Pennsylvania Joe “Cowboy” Dickey, Rick Gray, Charles Umbenhauer South Carolina Jesse McDugald South Dakota Ed Netterberg, Senator Jim Putnam Texas Sputnik Washington Swede Matzek Wisconsin Wayne Curtin, Senator Dave Zien , Tony “Pan” Sanfelipo, Sue Menard, Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson, Buck Kittredge England Fred Hill, Ian Mutch, Simon Milward

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame 2015 Inductees Announced By Christine Paige Diers Sturgis Motorcycle Museum

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the 2015 inductees into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame and the Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame. The Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame is designed to recognize individuals or groups who have made a long-term positive impact on the motorcycle community. The Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame recognizes the commitment and sacrifices individuals across the nation and world have made to protect the rights of motorcyclists. For 2015, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame will honor one Freedom Fighter and induct seven into the Sturgis Hall of Fame.

RICHARD LESTER

Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame

Since 1982, Richard Lester has founded five nationwide programs – Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (AIM), National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), Confederation of Clubs (COC), Christian Unity, and National Sports Bike Association (NSBA). Each program is free and they are all focused mainly on uniting, educating and informing motorcyclists of their rights. Richard has worked alongside politicians, attorneys, club members and leaders and individuals – bringing together groups where others had failed. Richard has also provided

financial support to numerous organizations that are furthering the cause of motorcycling.

EVERETT BRASHEAR One of the top AMA dirt track racers in the 1950s, Everett won the first AMA National held in Sturgis in August of 1952. That win – on the all-new at the time KR Model – established a milestone for Harley-Davidson and considerable publicity for the Sturgis Race. He beat fivetime National Champion, Paul Albrecht for that win, just one year after earning his expert license. He won four nationals in 1953 before being seriously injured in 1954. He returned to racing that same year, though, and continued to race and win nationals across the country for the next few years. Another bad crash in 1960 led to Brashear’s decision to stop racing. He did race in select events for a few years. After he finished racing Brashear continued to work in the motorcycle industry until his retirement.

CHIEF JIM BUSH

J.C. “Pappy” Hoel Outstanding Achievement Award

Jim Bush joined the Sturgis Police Reserves in 1978, was hired as a full time patrol officer in 1979, worked his way up through the ranks, and

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

became Police Chief in 1990. Chief Bush has watched the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally grow to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors, and has consistently met the challenge of providing the community of Sturgis with appropriate law enforcement readiness both during the rally and throughout the year. While much of his work is behind the scenes, Chief Bush is recognized as an excellent ambassador for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. He works closely with the promoters of the rally and the events incorporated within the rally to find ways to accommodate the needs of organizers, participants, visitors and residents alike.

CHRIS MCINTYRE It was 1992 when Chris McIntyre with co-founders Jeff Brown and Peter Wurmer had the idea to start a business providing motorcycle rentals to the public. At the time, it was thought by most to be a crazy idea and banks and insurance companies alike laughed at the idea. But Chris and his partners persisted in meeting with bankers, insurance companies and prospective investors and finally managed to open the doors of EagleRider Motorcycles with a fleet of four Harley-Davidsons out of a small Los Angeles garage in 1994. The company has grown to over 100 locations worldwide, employing over 400 people and delivering over 100,000 riders dreams a year. EagleRider has evolved to become the world leader in providing

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

a full range of motorcycle experiences including, rental, tours, bike sales and service, parts, and apparel. The company also recently began opening its own dealership locations.

JOHN SHOPE For decades, John Shope has been a highvolume designer and producer of quality custom motorcycles and a parts supplier to the industry. John was one of the first to recognize the value of customizing a touring bike and developed a complete line of custom injection molded parts. John’s company, John Shope’s Dirty Bird Concepts has been featured in numerous magazines and television shows. John has been a major supporter of the Sturgis Brown High School Student Bike Build Challenge since 2012. This year, Shope and his co-stars on “Biker Battleground Phoenix” are stepping up that involvement by helping the students with a brand new Indian versus HarleyDavidson challenge. Shope will help students customize a 2014 Indian Chief while his competitor Paul Yaffe works with students on customizing a 2014 HarleyDavidson.

SUGAR BEAR His love affair with choppers – particularly stretched frontend choppers – began when a girl on the back of a chopped bike threw a peace sign to him in 1969. Despite having never ridden, he went out and bought a

Honda and started tearing it apart to make it his own. Sugar Bear opened his own shop in South Central LA in 1971, and has been building bikes and providing his own signature springer front ends for over 40 years. A master machinist, Sugar Bear hand builds front forks that range in length from stock to as much as 40 inches over stock. His specialized rocker design gets rave reviews because of the superior handling.

DON TILLEY If anyone in the motorcycling world deserved the title of “Renaissance Man,” it would probably be Don Tilley. A selftaught welder, mechanic, tuner and competitor, he has raced both motorcycles and cars in a number of areas. Tilley opened his first Harley-Davidson dealership in Statesville, North Carolina in 1972, opened a second store in Salisbury, North Carolina in 1999 and expanded it to a full-fledged dealership in 2008. Tilley HarleyDavidson in Statesville started the first-ever H.O.G. chapter in 1983. Don served as a resource to racers, a mentor to builders and an inspiration to new riders for over 40 years. Sadly, Don was killed last year in a motorcycle crash that left his wife Robinette severely injured.

EDDIE TROTTA Since the late 1980s, Eddie Trotta has been building custom choppers and baggers from his shop in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

Thunder Cycle Designs focuses on imagination, craftsmanship and attention to detail in every build. Eddie spent two seasons as a builder on V-Twin TV, and has also starred in multiple Biker Build-Off shows on the Discovery Channel in addition to being featured on numerous magazine covers over the last 10 years. He is supportive of numerous charities not the least of which is the Boys and Girls Clubs in Broward County. He has donated three motorcycles to be auctioned at the Bikers Ball in Daytona in support of that organization alone. Besides building bikes, Eddie also has spent time as a musician, raced offshore powerboats and owned thoroughbred race horses, fulfilling his need for speed.

The annual

STURGIS MOTORCYCL E HALL OF FAM E INDUCTION BREAKFAST

is scheduled fo r Wednesday, A ugust 5 at 9:00 a.m. at The Lodge at Deadwood in Deadwood , SD. Breakfast tick ets are available for a $35.00 donation, tabl es of eight for $300 .00. Tickets can be pu rchased by calling the M useum at 605.347.2001 or they can be purchased onlin e at www.sturgismus eum.com/ shop/hall-fame-br eakfast.

Bone Daddy’s Black Hills 175 Sherman Street | Deadwood

Headquarters of Iron Horse Deadwood TIRES • OIL • BATTERIES • MECHANIC ON DUTY ••

• All American Bike Rodeo •• •

Saturday, August 8th •1pm • Days of 76 Rodeo Grounds Stop in to get your advance tickets or to pre-register for the first ever Iron Horse Deadwood.

$10,000 in Cash & Prizes

Check out Bone Daddy’s original location in Red Lodge, Montana at the base of the Beartooth pass. – Voted AMA’s #1 ride in America –

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Poker Alice Tubbs By Wayne Paananen Historic Footprints

and with her winnings traveled to New York City to buy the latest fashionable dresses. She spent time in Creede, Colorado working as a dealer and playing poker at a saloon owned by Bob Ford the man that had killed Jessie James. By the 1890’s Alice moved to Deadwood and continued her winning ways. She married fellow dealer Warren Tubbs. Alice and Warren moved to a new home

liquor and gaming downstairs and prostitution upstairs. Still, her Saloon was always closed on The real life story of Poker Alice, Sunday. When she was in her a well known western character that 70s she was arrested several times played poker and faro in Deadwood for being a madam, gambler and during the 1890s, would have bootlegger. made a great soap opera. She was In 1928 she was arrested again for married three times, widowed three bootlegging and sentenced to the times, had 7 children, was a real South Dakota state prison. However fashion connoisseur, became a top because of her age, then Governor flight poker player, was sentenced William Bulow gave her a pardon. to the South Dakota state prison Poker Alice died after for bootlegging, but was a gall bladder operation eventually pardoned by February 27, 1930 at age the Governor. 79 and is buried in Sturgis, Alice Ivers was born in South Dakota. 1851 at Devon, England. Historian Watson Parker Her family immigrated tells my favorite Poker Alice to America and settled story. While in Sturgis in Virginia in 1863. It operating a brothel, Alice was there she received visited the local banker to a quality education and ask for a loan to enlarge her developed strong religious business. He agreed to make values. the loan and asked her how By 1870 Alice Ivers long it would take to repay moved to Leadville, the amount. “Two years,” Colorado. She was was the reply. She took the considered a teenage money and left. beauty, standing 5 feet Just one year later Alice 2, with pretty blue eyes returned to the banker’s and a very attractive office and repaid the figure. In Leadville she total amount. Somewhat met and married mining surprised the banker said, engineer Frank Duffield. “I thought this was going Frank loved to play to take you two years to poker and taught her the pay off.” game, joking that she Courtesy Deadwood History, Adams Museum Collection, Deadwood, SD “Well,” she said, “I knew might have to make a the Veterans of the Civil living playing the game War would be holding their if anything happened to him. just northeast of Sturgis where National Encampment at Belle Shortly thereafter Duffield was they would raise sheep and their Fourche, I knew the Elks Lodge had killed in a mine explosion. 7 children. Warren Tubbs died of their regional meeting here and Alice found she was very good at pneumonia in 1910. the Mining Men’s Association was poker, so she toured the west and Neighbor George Hucket fell in holding their national convention frequently won. Still, she never love with Alice shortly after the in Deadwood, but I plumb played on Sunday. It was during death of her husband, and the two forgot the state-wide Methodist this time that people started calling were soon married. George passed convention in Rapid City.” her “Poker Alice” and she took up away in 1913. Then with a wink Watson would smoking cigars. She broke the bank Alice had opened a saloon in say, “If that story isn’t true, it in one Silver City gambling house Sturgis, South Dakota that provided should be!”

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

Encounter theTower Tower Located at the entrance to our Nation’s First National Monument, Devils Tower, WY

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Thanks to the sponsors of The Sturgis Motorcycle Magazine and the Pappy Hoel historic ½ mile races. If you would like to advertise or contribute content to the 2016 magazine, please contact Pete Torino KNKL Radio 605-390-7118 knkl@theknuckle.com

307-467-5295 • www.devilstowertradingpost.com

• Rooms • RV Sites • Tent Camping • Locker & Laundry Rooms • New Bar & Grill • Full Liquor (off sale)

I-90, Exit 23 • 600 Whitewood Service Rd, Whitewood, SD

(605) 722-7574 • ironhorseinnsturgis.com ihi57793@gmail.com • fax: 605-722-0890

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

South Dakota Highways By Wayne Paananen Historic Footprints

These days, when you travel to Sturgis from any direction, you probably take for granted the well marked and maintained four lane paved roads on which you can now travel 80 miles per hour. But the story of how these roads were created shows that it was not easy to get to where we are today. In 1916, Section 9, Article 13 of South Dakota’s constitution was adopted which paved the way (pardon the pun) for the first State Highway Commission and established the good roads laws. South Dakota State legislator J.W. Parmley could be considered

the father of good roads in the state. It was he who predicted the increased need for good roads, with more and more cars traveling faster and faster. He was the first to see the need for a four-lane highway. But in 1917 his four lane dream was to offer cars the fast lane averaging 25 to 35 miles per hour while the slow lane was to be reserved for tractors, the woman with a buggy and a baby and children walking to school. In those early days the quality of a road was judged by the size and amount of the gravel from which it was constructed. One of the biggest challenges the state faced was the lack of construction companies dedicated to road

construction. There were other problems to be solved, such as what materials were best for road and bridge building. In 1913 there were 14,457 cars on South Dakota roads. By 1920 that number had jumped to 120,000 cars registered in the state. By 1930 that number had grown to 210,000 cars. Trucks were another addition to the state’s transportation considerations. In 1929, 20,000 trucks were hauling goods in South Dakota allowing farmers to transport grain, produce and cattle cheaper than using railroads. In the 1920’s South Dakota realized it had a golden

Courtesy Deadwood History, Adams Museum Collection, Deadwood, SD

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

opportunity to greatly increase the tourist market by exploiting the Black Hills as a scenic playground. Consequently it became necessary for the Commissioners in the Black Hills counties to improve the old muddy trails in a manner making them passable for the auto. Also In the 1920’s with the advent of the new balloon tires, cars could whiz along averaging 35 to 40 miles per hour. About every 150 miles, you could expect one tire to go flat, forcing you to patch the tire on the road and pump up the tire by hand before resuming your trip. From the 1920s through the 1950s, you’d also carry a water bag on your front bumper. It was used for drinking water and to refill your over-heated radiator. In 1930, South Dakota was proud of the six thousand miles of roads that had been built, but the next problem

was the cost of maintenance which was estimated to run over $5 million per year. When Gutzon Borglum started work on Mount Rushmore in 1925, the road from Keystone to the mountain was yet to be built. Even in 1927 when President Coolidge dedicated the National Monument, the Presidential party had to ride on horseback from Keystone to Mount Rushmore - a distance of about three miles. The dedication committee wanted a 21 gun salute to honor the President, but they didn’t have any cannons. It was the road contractor that came up with a solution. He pointed out that they were clearing the new road area by blasting the tree stumps out of the ground. So they loaded 21 stumps with dynamite and welcomed the President with a “21 stump salute.” My Dad remembers when they

built Highway 385 that runs down the center of the hills north and south. His parents had a small ranch about 20 miles south of Deadwood. He told the story of how the road crews camped right on the site under construction. Their cook and my grandmother traded baked cakes and pies in return for fresh milk and eggs. Most of the work was done by horses. The result of this effort is one of the most pleasant drives in the Black Hills. In 1925 this State Highway became Federal Highway 85. If you are looking for highways that offer many of the wonders of the Black Hills we suggest the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway, the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop and the Spearfish Canyon National Scenic Byway. Whatever roads you travel, please drive safely and help us prevent forest fires.

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Special Mail Trucks for Sturgis By Christine Paige Diers The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum

There’s no doubt that regardless of the time of year, if you visit Sturgis, South Dakota, you’ll find motorcycle related items. We are, after all, famous for our rally and we love motorcyclists. But some of the things you’ll find here are completely unique to our town. Believe it or not, one of those things is our mail trucks. That’s right, our mail trucks. The story behind those trucks is an interesting one.

It was 2006 when the U.S. Postal Service released a set of first class collector stamps featuring motorcycles. Mark Saunders is with Corporate Communications for the U.S. Postal Service in Washington, DC. He says the U.S. Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee receives about 40,000 suggestions each year for postal stamp topics. Of that, only about 20 topics are selected to become actual stamps. The committee had received quite a number of suggestions

Courtesy USPS

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

that a set of stamps be produced around antique motorcycles and other requests for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The committee decided to combine those two requests and produce the American Motorcycle postage stamp series. They decided on a 1918 Cleveland to show the very early days of motorcycling, and also chose a 1940 Indian and a 1960 Harley-Davidson. Saunders says they contacted the Long Island Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America to see if they could

locate those three bikes. As it American motorcycling history. turned out, members of that very So what about those postal chapter – including the president trucks? For this particular stamp of the chapter at the time – owned dedication ceremony, the U.S. exactly what they were looking for. Postal Service decided to decorate For the fourth stamp in the series, some Long Life Vehicles (LLVs) to the committee wanted to feature a be unveiled at the same time as chopper similar to the Easy Riders the new stamps were introduced. bike. Rather than The three vehicles using an actual were from the motorcycle for Minneapolis that fourth stamp, fleet, and were the postal service prepared by the commissioned Minneapolis Vehicle artist Steve Maintenance Buchanan to draw Facility. The trucks a chopper to round were not new at the out the series. time of their facelift, That artwork is a but were completely 70s era chopper renovated during Courtesy Mark Saunders, USPS painted yellow the process. Each with a flame design on the tank. received new tires, new paint, new During the Sturgis Motorcycle seats, and new trays. They were Rally that year, the USPS unveiled then adorned with decals. A story the stamp series and offered the published in the Minneapolis Postal “first day of issue” purchase and Service employee newsletter back in cancellations of those stamps. 2006 told the story of those trucks. Also that week, each of the three “Each is now adorned on both sides bikes that were depicted on the with a nearly life-sized decal of Steve stamps was displayed at the Sturgis Buchanan’s 1970s-era Chopper Motorcycle Museum. The bike design that is also the subject owners were on hand to sign of one of the four stamps. autographs, and a reception was The rear wheel of the LLV held to honor the owners and matches the rear wheel show off the bikes as well as the of the bike and the stamps that featured those pieces of chopper appears to be

roaring away. A decal of the block of four stamps was placed on the hood and rear door of each vehicle.” Those three trucks have continued to be used for mail delivery in Sturgis from the time they were unveiled in August of 2006 until today. Saunders tells us that as far as he knows, they are the only postal trucks ever to be customized to go with a stamp series. But alas, all good things must come to an end. The USPS is looking to replace those trucks across the nation, and it seems the three LLVs that were customized in 2006 will soon be retired. Those of us who live in Sturgis year-round have become accustomed to seeing those postal trucks, and we’ll miss having them around when that time comes.

Courtesy Mark Saunders, USPS

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

GRILL & CASINO Great Food! Full Liquor Bar! • Serving Breakfast at 6 a.m. • Hand Cut Steaks • Burgers • Homemade Pizzas & more!

Your Friends are already here!

Visit with the original Gypsies and the Gypsy Longriders!

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FIRE UP your summer…

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Sturgis ~ 1111 Lazelle St., Sturgis, SD Custer • Faith • Lead • Martin • Fort Thompson Belle Fourche • Hot Springs • Pierre • Fort Pierre

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Museum working to expand By Tigra Tsujikawa SMM Development Director

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame is a place that celebrates the American riding heritage, by preserving the history of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, telling the stories and accomplishments of Hall of Fame members and offering inspiring exhibits that will spur the imagination of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to come. There is even a bit of history in the current museum building. It is a former U.S. Post Office that was built in 1937 and has been a part of the local community since then. An old post office seems to be a fitting place to establish the museum, since a post office is usually placed in the center of a town and is the gateway to reach families and friends all over the world. The building is made up of two floors equaling about 7,000 square feet. Since 2001, we have filled this space with rare motorcycles, stories of great accomplishments and

inspirational exhibits that illustrate the times. You will be amazed at how much you will see and find inside! To further our mission to honor the past, interpret the present and inspire the future, we have been working to raise funds to expand and transform the space from a 7,000 square foot former Post Office to a 25,000 square foot, multi-level museum. The new building will accommodate more galleries, exhibits, collection storage, gift store and a Hall of Fame honoring our over 100 inductees. The expanded museum will be built in the same location on the corner of Main Street and Junction.

Courtesy Though Our Eyes Photography

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum â&#x20AC;˘ 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

Like many others in the United States, our museum is a non-profit organization that operates with a small staff of employees, the executive director and a board of directors. To fulfill our goal, we have been working with many corporate sponsors, organizations and individuals. We have only begun the campaign, raising $300,000 towards our overall goal of $5 million for the expansion, $1 million for collections and exhibits and a $1 million endowment for the operations of the museum. Like the Post Office, the new museum will be a gateway to the world and still be in the heart of the city of Sturgis. When you come to visit the museum, you will see the history and heritage of motorcycling in America and if you look closely, some very interesting pieces saved from the days of the Post Office. Make the museum part of your journey and experience of the rally and learn how you can be part of the future by donating to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.

Make Your Move You too, can join an elite group, including recent Hall of Famers who call the Rushmore Region their home. Folks like Keith Terry, Lonnie Isam, Jesse Jurrens and Michael Prugh have discovered that the Black Hills are a great year-round place to prosper and enjoy life. For both business and pleasure, the Rushmore Region’s climate is optimal. Our high, dry air features the best of all four seasons. Low taxes and less regulation provide corporate comfort that few states can offer. The Rushmore Region – a GREAT place for business. Keith Terry (Class of 2014) built his first custom bike in 1994. More than two decades ago, Keith and his wife Fran built their business, Terry Components, into a major supplier of motorcycle starter motors and battery cables.

As a vendor, Keith made the trek each year to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. In 2004, they moved their company to Spearfish from Southern California. Jesse Jurrens (Class of 2014) is originally from Watertown, S.D. He developed his first motorcycle air shock while still in high school. This innovation led to the creation of Legend Air Suspensions. In 2000, he moved his company to the Rushmore Region. Now based in Sturgis, Legend Suspensions makes air and coil suspension systems for Harley Davidson models, off-road UTVs and other vehicles. Lonnie Isam (Class of 2013) and his wife, Marianne, moved their company, Competition Distributing Machine Works, to Sturgis from Houston in 2006. They specialize in making and

distributing parts for pre-1936 Harley-Davidsons, early Indians and other vintage bikes. “For mail order, this location is a plus-plusplus,” he said. “We can ship to anywhere in the Lower 48 states in two to three days,” Isam said. Michael Prugh (Class of 2011) grew up in Casper, Wyo., and graduated from college in Denver. His first softtail chassis design, long and low, launched a craze for the “Lowlife Chassis.” That first bike was featured on American Thunder, launching his career in the custom bike business. In 2006, he launched Prugh Design, based in Rapid City. If you would like to make the Rushmore Region your home, contact us at 855-978-7466 or info@rushmoreregion.com.

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Clara Wagner’s namesake bike By Cris Sommer-Simmons

I can’t imagine how it must have felt to be Clara Wagner. She was riding motorcycles back when most women would never have even considered doing such a thing. Her father, George had been making his own Wagner Motorcycles in St. Paul, Minnesota since 1907. He was more than supportive of her riding and at age 15, she was the first female to be given a real motorcycle license issued by the F.A.M, (the Federation of American Motorcyclists). The club had started in 1903 and by 1909 had over 3,000 members. This was a huge feat for such a young woman. Clara Marion Wagner was born on November 11, 1891 and would go on to become one of the most famous woman motorcyclists. She was daring and ready for any challenge. One such challenge began on the morning of October 7, 1910 when an excited eighteen-year old Clara took off on a 395-mile F.A.M. Endurance run from Chicago to Indianapolis, riding a new “4-11” Wagner motorcycle. She was an able and competent rider, and had some mechanical knowledge should she need it. Clara not only finished the run, she earned a perfect score defeating many of her male competitors. Despite her amazing performance, she was refused a trophy because she was a woman. In protest, fifty of her fellow riders chipped in and awarded Clara a gold medal for her achievement. While the ruling body of the race had denied her credit for the race, she became the first woman in America to win a competitive motorcycle event.

She was then featured in ads for Eclipse Coaster Brakes, probably making her the first woman rider to endorse a product and appear in advertisements. I’ve always had a soft spot in

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

my heart for Clara. Back in 2009, while I was doing research for my book, “The American Motorcycle Girls, 1900-1950”, I was lucky enough to get in touch with Clara’s two 90 something year

old daughters, Lucy and Dorothy. They shared stories of their adventurous mother who taught them so much about living life to its fullest. In March of this year, I was at the E.J. Cole Motorcycle Auction in Las Vegas wandering around looking at some of the over 200 bikes for sale. My heart skipped a beat when I spotted an original condition 1911 Wagner, model “4-11,” exactly like the one Clara rode back in 1910 on her race. I got down on my hands and knees and could not believe that every nut and bolt looked perfect… there was even a key in the toolbox! I tried not to get too excited. Auctions are unpredictable places to buy motorcycles and everyone who was anyone in the antique motorcycle world was here looking for treasure. I found mine and decided to bid on it. I doubted there were too many people in that room who knew who Clara Wagner was, or the history that specific model held for women riders. Maybe I would have a chance to buy it. The motorcycle came up late in the auction, number 124

out of 172 bikes to be sold that day. I told myself that maybe the others would be out of money by then and I would get lucky. I bid and held my breath… a few bids went by and I bid as high

as I could go. To my delight the auctioneer lowered his gavel and said “Sold!” I couldn’t believe it. I was so happy “Clara” would be coming home with me! Who knows, maybe this was even Clara Wagner’s bike? Now, wouldn’t that be something? Either way, I’ll bet she’s smiling… I know I am.

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

From Sturgis Famed Main Street Only 3 miles east on Hwy. 34 and 1 1/2 miles north on Hwy. 79 20446 State Hwy. 79 Sturgis, SD 57785

Toll Free: 1-877-700-IRON (4766) Phone: (605) 596-4237 Fax: (605) 596-4217

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Sturgis Motorcycle Museum â&#x20AC;˘ 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Progressive Laconia Motorcycle Week® June 11th-19th, 2016 New Hampshire – home to America’s Original Riding Rally® If you can only choose one National Rally to attend in 2016 – choose the one you have to ride the furthest to! And if riding is your pleasure then we hope you’ll be joining us for Laconia Motorcycle Week® in 2016 because In Laconia… We Ride®! Although our legacy as the World’s Oldest Motorcycle Rally® is because our gypsy tour began in 1916, our legacy has continued because of our unmatched scenic riding throughout the beautiful State of New Hampshire. Residents and businesses alike, welcome motorcyclists during the rally every year in June. With the 2nd largest demographic of motorcycle riders in the country and host to the oldest rally in the country, NH opens its doors to riders all year long, whether it’s on two-wheels or during other seasons for fall foliage or a wide variety of winter recreation. Now that you’ve heard about the welcoming atmosphere and beautiful riding, let’s talk about events – we’ve got them all covered! Start the week off with the Official Kick-Off to Laconia Motorcycle Week® - the Peter Makris Memorial Ride (PMMR) on Saturday, June 11th. This ride is guided by NH’s own State Police – once you depart for the tour around Lake Winnipesaukee, your feet won’t touch the ground until you return back for the party at the Naswa Resort right on the water! This ride has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years to benefit numerous area charities! Speaking of charity, there are dozens of rides to participate in throughout the rally – around the entire State of NH. One

in particular, we hope you join us for, is the Mae West Memorial Ride for Pets, and is held on Monday, June 13th. This ride is hosted by Sick Boy Motorcycles and for the rider/ passenger donation- all of which goes to the NH Humane Society- you receive a custom Sick Boy t-shirt and a great time with fellow pet lovers! Laconia Motorcycle Week® is big on charity but also big on ACTION!! Be sure to check out the racing action at the NH Motor Speedway in Loudon, the Hill Climbs in Canaan, and various other races and stunt shows throughout the area. Looking for the street scene – check out Lakeside Avenue where motorcycles line the street as far as the eye can see and people-watching is at its all-time best! Looking for a new view? Make sure you plan a ride to the Mount Washington Auto Road. The road up the highest peak in the northeast (6,288ft) will show you a view like no other! The Auto Road is closed for motorcycles ONLY on Monday and Thursday of the rally! Bike shows of all kinds, swap meets, poker runs, gypsy tours, contests, vendors, live music, and of course- beautiful riding is just some of what you can expect at Laconia. Hot spots like the Laconia Roadhouse, the Naswa Resort, the Winnipesaukee Marketplace, Patio Garden Restaurant and many more will keep you busy after you return from a long day of riding. Want to make the most of your riding experience? Whether you’re a first time visitor or a long-standing enthusiast, make sure to complete the 2016 Laconia Passport Program™. This FREE program incentivizes your riding with an exclusive, members’ only sweatshirt for riders who have gotten their

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

Passport stamped at official locations throughout the state. This program is a great way to get out to places you may not have visited or known about. Trust us – it’s worth it! One lucky winner will be chosen to receive a FREE week’s stay at the Naswa Resort – the official hotel of Laconia Motorcycle Week for 2017! All OFFICIAL information for Laconia Motorcycle Week® can be found on the only Official Website for the rally: laconiamcweek. com all year long. Receive the 2016 Laconia Rally News™ magazine, FREE to U.S. addresses in the winter so you can make your plans for June 11th-19th. Once you arrive to Laconia, be sure to stop by Rally Headquarters (RHQs) on the boardwalk of Lakeside Avenue in Weirs Beach. At RHQs, you’ll find all of your updated official information, the 2nd edition of the Laconia Rally News, official souvenirs, maps, Passport books, and more! Feel free to call us anytime at 603-366-2000 and make sure to sign up for the E-Newsletter and Laconia Rally News on our website: laconiamcweek.com! Ride Safe and Keep Away from the Centerline! Laconia Motorcycle Week® gives great appreciation to all of our sponsors and especially the State of New Hampshire for their large financial support of our rally each year. Progressive Laconia Motorcycle Week® is presented by Progressive Insurance, Hot Leathers, Bank of NH, and AMSOIL. Corporate sponsors include: Budweiser, Pepsi, the Naswa Resort, Twisted Tea, the Laconia Roadhouse, J&P Cycles, 104.9 The Hawk, SYSCO, and ADT Security.

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Experience the exquisite flavors of our new sparkling wine creations utilizing traditional champagne methods. Our new state-of-the-art Sparkling House facility features an awe-inspiring outdoor patio that overlooks our 5-acre vineyard, bordering the majestic ponderosa pines of the rugged Black Hills of Sturgis.

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594 Main Street • Deadwood, SD

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

2015 Rally Sudoku Solution on Page 128

Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test.

Here’s how it works:

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row. column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Level: Beginner

Level: Intermediate

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum â&#x20AC;˘ 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

Cold Beer and a Million Dollar View!

12764 Nemo Rd., Nemo, SD

605-209-0142

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Celebrate women in motorcycling Come experience a day of Real Women, Real Stories and Real Fun during the Sturgis Buffalo Chip®’s Biker Belles Brunch and “Show Your Ride” Bike Show! On Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., you’re invited to join a day of festivities at the Buffalo Chip Crossroads VIP Center that celebrates women in riding! Reserve your place at this event, and you’ll be treated to a catered brunch, be inspired by the featured speaker, Gloria Struck, enjoy pampering at the Comfort Zone sponsored by Team Diva and service your ride at the Easy Eddie’s Tune-Up Tent. You’ll also have the opportunity

to show off your ride at the bike show, tell the story behind your motorcycle and learn the story behind those of the other riders. In addition, you’ll be able to learn safe riding tips from safety expert and author of “A Crash Course for the Motorcyclist” Vicki Sanfelipo. The Sturgis Buffalo Chip created the Biker Belles for two complementary purposes. The first is to raise awareness of the passion, diversity and spirit of women in motorcycling, celebrating the woman’s role in shaping the culture, art and history of motorcycling. The second is to use the event to raise funds for worthy local charities that

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

would be of particular interest to these very women. Since its inception in 2009, this charity event has raised monies for worthy charities including the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame and Helping with Horsepower. Your contribution in 2015 will help the Biker Belles continue its mission of charitable giving. All—men and women, riders and non-riders—are welcome to join this gathering of mentorship, riding and sharing. Participants are asked to make a $45 contribution to join the festivities, and those who wish to participate in the bike show are asked to make a $20 contribution. One hundred percent of these contributions will directly benefit worthy charities. Don’t miss your opportunity to gather and share stories during the 2015 Biker Belles event. Reserve your place by visiting BikerBelles.com or by calling (605) 347-9000.

Top Rated RV Resort for Big Rigs to Tenters. One mile off I-90 at Exit 37 • We are open all year! 21137 Brimstone Place, Sturgis, SD 57785 • 605-347-2916

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Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Oil boom in the Dakotas By Wayne Paananen Historic Footprints

In just the past few months, the price of oil has been anywhere from a high of over $100, to closer to half that price. Even if you don’t know much at all about this particular business, you do know that it’s been a boom and bust business for a very long time. Oil production in the Dakotas is no exception to the rule. The first oil well was drilled in North Dakota by the Pioneer Oil & Gas Company just south of Tioga in 1919. It proved to be a dry hole. By 1950, 21 dry holes had been drilled. Finally, on April 1, 1951 oil was struck at the Clarence Iverson number 1. That initial discovery was the beginning of what proved to be one of the major oil production areas in the world, the Williston Basin. By the end of

1958, over 1,100 producing wells had been drilled and more than 64 million barrels of oil had been produced. This made North Dakota the 27th oil producing state and it was 14th in annual production. It took over $600 million for exploration, development, production and refining. The rapidly growing oil industry has made a tremendous impact on the economy of the state. In 2006 the Bakken Field located two miles deep in the earth was first drilled using a new method of drilling called fracking. This new technology requires drills that can turn 90 degrees to reach the oil-bearing shale that contains the sweet crude oil. While fracking has produced 8,000 wells producing vast amounts of oil, the process is often attacked by environmental groups who are concerned about its potential to damage ground water.

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

Everyone seems to agree on one thing, though – that the long-range effects of fracking are unknown. The rapid increase of domestic oil production, largely due to fracking, is a major factor in driving down the cost of oil. The oil companies want to drill more than 40,000 new fracking wells in the Bakken Formation located in Western North Dakota and the North West corner of South Dakota. However, with the price of oil falling, oil companies are putting much of their drilling plans on hold for the time being. Oil drill rigs stand idle, workers have been laid off, trucks are not running, and oil equipment can be bought for far lower prices than a few months ago. Turns out, this could be the quickest boom and bust cycle ever recorded.

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Affordable Beer & Mixed Drinks in a Relaxing Air Conditioned Retreat Featuring $10 Rally Breakfast Buffet Rally Menu available daily Rally Kreekside Karoke

Open Monday-Friday at 3:30 Saturdays & Sundays at Noon Grill open Friday & Saturday at 5:00 pm

Everyone Welcome!

1 block East of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum on Main Street, Sturgis

605-347-4682

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum â&#x20AC;˘ 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Experience the Ride that RocksTM! Join in the fun and kick off the 2015 Sturgis Rally in style with the Sturgis Buffalo Chip®’s eighth annual Legends Ride® on Monday, Aug. 3, 2015! This charity event invites you to hop on your bike and ride alongside a host of motocelebrities, actors, and musicians, as well as riders from all over the globe. Since its inception in 2008, this charity event has raised a whopping $379,915 for local Black Hills organizations including the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame and Black Hills Special Olympics. Again in 2015, 100 percent of contributions from riders like you will directly support the Legends Ride’s mission to support worthy causes.

Signature 2014 Indian Chieftain and Paul Yaffe Signature 2014 Harley-Davidson Road King the students built under the direction of the industry’s top customization leaders.

The excitement will continue immediately following the auction, as you mount your bike along with friends old and new to begin the scenic Black Hills ride leading to the Legendary Buffalo Chip for an exclusive riders-only reception. When you reconvene with the rest

Biker celebrity and billionaire entrepreneur John Paul DeJoria and other notable celebrities will co-host the festivities on Deadwood’s Main Street in front of the Historic Franklin Hotel and Silverado Casino starting at 11 a.m. JP will introduce you to celebrities from the audience, the benefitting Special Olympians and the students who built the two award-winning Legends Ride bikes in the 2015 Buffalo Chip Challenge program. You’ll have the rare opportunity to bid on the jaw-dropping John Shope

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

of the riders at the Russ Brown Events Center, you’ll be treated to complimentary food, drinks and a viewing of the world-class Motorcycles As Art Exhibit curated by famed motorcycle photographer Michael Lichter. The Legends Ride is truly iconic. Its high-profile, celebrity appeal has been featured on CMT, the National Geographic Channel, the Tonight Show, FX Network and the Travel Channel, as well as in countless print, online and newspaper articles. This event has sold out every year since its inception in 2008, so don’t wait and miss your chance to meet, ride and party with the stars, all while raising money for worthwhile charities. Join the Ride that Rocks during the rally’s historic 75th anniversary by reserving your tickets at LegendsRide.com or by calling (605) 347-9000.

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum â&#x20AC;˘ 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

Sturgis Motorcycle M

useum

2015 Gun Raffle This is a one-of-a-kin d, gold-plated, custom engraved rifle. It’s a Henry Big Boy .4

Only o ne of the se is made each year!

5 Caliber Rifle

Tickets: $10 EACH or 3 FOR

$20

The drawing for this beautiful firearm wi ll be held on Saturday , August 8, 2015 at th e Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Tickets ca n be purchased in perso n at the museum, or via phone at 605-347-2001. Need not be presen t to win

2015 Building Sweepstakes

$10 FOR A 1 IN 10,000 CHANCE That’s right - this year, AT $10,000! we’re giving away $1 0,000. Only

10,000 tickets are av ailable, so the odds are Drawing will be held pretty good. on Saturday, August 8, 2015 during the Sturgis Motorcycle Ra lly. You can make yo ur donations for ticke ts in person, by mailin g a check to 999 Main Street, Sturgis, SD 57785, or by phone at 605-347 -2001. Need not

be present to win All costs, including but not limited to applica ble taxes are the responsibility of the winner. All local, Sta te and Federal regulations will be obs erved. All rules for the available at http://ww sweepstakes are w.sturgismuseum.com /assets/docs/uploads/ sturgis-motorcycle-m useum-sweepstakes-ru les.pdf

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

All costs, including but not limited to applicable taxes, freight and handling charges and transfer charges are the responsibility of the winner. All local, State and Federa l regulations will be observed.

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On the National Register of Historic Places RESORT: 20189 U.S. Hwy. 85 • 605-722-1800 • www.ElkhornRidgeRVResort.com GOLF CLUB: 6845 St. Onge Road • 605-722-4653 • www.GolfElkhorn.com Preserving the History of Motorcycling

New York Myke commemorates the Fat Boy Story by Marilyn Stemp Photos by Michael Van Senus

When Harley-Davidson introduced the Fat Boy in 1990, the model was an unqualified phenomenon in motorcycling. With features such as 16” solid cast aluminum wheels front and rear, a shotgun exhaust, wide tires with wider fenders, fat fuel tank and front end, and laced leather seat and tank bib, it was unlike any other Harley before. Better yet, built on a Softail platform, it had hardtail looks yet modern suspension. Add to all this that it was designed by Willie G. himself, and of course it became an instant icon. This is something New York Myke Shelby knows well; as the owner of San Diego HarleyDavidson and a lifelong Harley

rider, he was there. This is also why, when Myke got to the 2015 H-D new model launch and learned the lineup did not include a 25th anniversary Fat Boy model, he decided to build one himself, with little concern over what Harley execs might think. “What would they think about it? How should I know?!” he said. “It was the right thing to do!” He has a point; 25 years after this landmark model garnered the motorcycle world’s hearty approval, H-D had a chance to reignite the Fat Boy’s status—and they missed it. So Myke made a vow that the first 2015 Fat Boy delivered to San Diego H-D would be rebuilt as a

Courtesy Michael Van Senus

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commemorative custom, drawing on the resources of his dealership to make it happen. “We didn’t go crazy, we didn’t go wild with custom stuff. I respected the original idea,” he said. But that doesn’t mean Myke’s Fat Boy was mildly modified. Over a short six-week timeframe, mechanic Thomas Ulrich completely disassembled the bike and the frame was sent out for powdercoating. Upon rebuild, they added a Screamin’ Eagle Shotgun exhaust system and Heavy Breather air cleaner plus

2015 FLSTF 103 Grey Ghost

SPECIFICATIO NS Name: San Diego Harley-Davidson 25th Anniv. Gre y Ghost FLSTF 10 3 Owner: New Yo rk Myke Shelby Builder: Thomas Ulrich

GENERAL Year, Make & M odel: 2015 Harle y-Davidson Fatboy- FLSTF 10 3 Assembly/Build er: Thomas Ulri ch Time Line: 1.5 M onths FORKS Year/Model: 201 5 Harley-Davidso n Fatboy- FLSTF Builder: Harley103 Davidson Type: Showa Triple Trees: Har ley-Davidson Extension: Non e Courtesy Michael Van Senus

tons of chrome components including inner and outer primary, switch housings, levers, grips and mirrors. Myke didn’t stop there, either, fitting chrome axle covers front and rear, swing arm covers, rear drive sprocket cover, caliper covers, a front end kit, and Diamondback clutch, brake and throttle cables. They chromed the wheels, too. Everything is from H-D Genuine Parts & Accessories, of course. Myke wisely used yellow plug wires on the bike, just like the first Fat Boy had. “We stayed right in line with the original and followed that formula to a T,” he said. “We did the job.” In this instance the job also consisted of new paint, handled by Kiwi Custom Designs in San Diego, and though the color is called Fine Silver Metallic it was chosen to mimic the original Fat Boy’s color. It was offered only in gray. It took every available minute to get the bike ready for Daytona Bike Week, where we found Myke showing it at the Editor’s Choice Bike Show. While the Fat Boy stood respectful and proudly regal alongside louder, brighter, and some might say more arrogant motorcycles, upon closer inspection few others had the chops to

ENGINE Year/Model: 2015 Twin Cam 103B Displacement: 10 3.1 ci (1690cc) Lower End: Har ley-Davidson Balancing: Harle y-Davidson Pistons: HarleyDavidson Cases: Harley-D avidson Heads: Harley-D avidson Cams: Harley-D avidson Lifters: Harley-D avidson E.f.i/Carb: Harle y-Davidson Elec tronic Sequentia Port Fuel Injectio l n Air Cleaner: Scre amin’ Eagle Hea vy Breather Air Cleaner Pipes: Screamin ’ Eagle Chrome Shotgun Slash Cut Muffle rs Ignition: HarleyDavidson TRANSMISSIO N Year/ Modificatio ns: 2015 6 Spee d Cruise Drive Engine Sprocket : Harley-Davidso n Stock Trans Sprocket: H arley-Davidson St ock Wheel Sprocket : Harley-Davidso n St ock Secondary Sprock et: Harley-David son Stock FRAME Year: 2015 Harle y Davidson Designer/Builder : Harley-Davidso n Rake/Stretch: 31 Degrees Rake

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

rey Ghost G 3 0 1 F T S L F 5 201 ACCESSORIES idson Stock Bars: Harley-Dav idson Stock Risers: Harley-Dav av D idson Stock Fenders: Harleyk 5 Gallon y-Davidson Stoc Fuel Tank: Harle 3.5 Quarts k Davidson Stoc Oil Tank: HarleyDay Maker LE avidson 7” D D yle ar H p: am Headl Lo Profile LED avidson Smoked D yle ar : H ht ig Taill oked Turn ley-Davidson Sm Turn Signals: Har Signal Covers ch/ Speedo idson Combo Ta av D yle ar : H do Spee inum Face with Spun Alum hrome Narrow arley-Davidson C : H ds ar bo or lo /F Pegs ger Pegs oards and Passen rb oo Fl t lle Bi nd Ba ake Pedals with Shift and Br GPS/ Satellite idson Zumo 665 av D yle ar : H cs tri Elec ted Grip Kit and ons Chrome Hea em D t ea H o, di Ra Wires Yellow FXST Plug n Bad Lander so id Seat: Harley Dav Inner avidson Chrome Extras: Harley-D son Chrome id av D y, Harleyar im h Pr er ut O d an n Chrome Clutc , Harley-Davidso gs sin ou H h e itc om Sw n Chr , Harley-Davidso and Brake Levers e Front and Rear om hr avidson C D yle ar H s, or irr M ome Swing Arm ley-Davidson Chr ar H e s, er ov C le Ax Laid Back Licens avidson Chrome D yle d ar H En s, t er on ov Fr C ome ley Davidson Chr Plate Mount, Har A Grips, et G e son Chrom id av D yle ar H t, Ki lutch, Brake Diamondback C n so id av D yle ar H son Chrome Rear les, Harley-David ab C e ttl ro Th d an over Drive Sprocket C

stand in motorcycle history’s limelight as it did. In the year it was first released, the Fat Boy was seen as H-D’s strike back at the multitude of cruisers being produced by Japanese manufactures at the time. The urban legend persists that the model was so named in veiled reference to the nicknames of the two atomic bombs dropped on Japan during WWII, Little Boy and Fat Man. Naturally, HarleyDavidson neither confirms nor denies this. But fans of the model know this for sure: now as then, the Fat Boy is ‘da bomb. And New York Myke’s anniversary tribute to the Fat Boy is, too. “It needed to be done, that’s the story,” said Myke. “I understand why Harley didn’t do it in today’s PC environment, but somebody had to make a big deal over the most iconic motorcycle ever made.” “This was the turning point, in 1990, when an American product meant state-of-the-art compared to a foreign product—and it exceeded its market share. What a moment to celebrate!” Right on, Myke. And Happy 25th to the H-D Fat Boy!

WHEELS/TIRES ome 17” ley-Davidson Chr ar : H el he W t on Fr t Hole Mag Aluminum Bulle 140/75- 17 Front Tire: D408f e 17” y-Davidson Chrom le ar : H el he W ar Re t Hole Mag Aluminum Bulle 0/55-17 Rear Tire: D407 20 t and idson Polish Fron av D yle ar : H rs to Ro Rear Brake Rotors 2 Piston Piston Front and 4 bo em Br : es ak Br Rear Calipers PAINT son Stock ng: Harley-David di ol M k/ or w dy Bo igns Kiwi Custom Des Painter: Kevin at Metallic Color: Fine Silver by ine Silver Metallic F g: Powder Coatin g Coatin Andrews Powder Courtesy Mich

ael Van Senu

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

WHITEWOOD BEER GARDEN JUST 5 MINUTES FROM STURGIS IN DOWNTOWN WHITEWOOD

Live music from July 31st-August 6th, featuring: The Chris Duarte Group

Chris Duarte is a legendary guitarist from Atlanta. Chris expertly plays soulful rock music that will blow you away. Playing bass with Chris will be the famous Japanese bass player, Yoshi Oga-chan. He has toured with Chris before and is back for the 2015 Rally. He is sure to compliment the group. So join the legends and jam out to The Chris Duarte Group at the Whitewood Beer Garden!

Beth Lee and the Breakups

Beth Lee is an Austin, TX talent that will be joining us at the Whitewood Beer Garden. Beth writes well-crafted originals, bluesy-rock tunes, tear-jerking ballads, and good ole rock ‘n’ roll! With a group that is chock full of feisty rockers, Beth Lee and the Breakups will surely rock your socks off!

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The last half mile By Coe Meyer

The last half mile? Or is it? The historic track at Meade County Fairgrounds has served the community for more than a lifetime and seen many of the greatest racers of all time. As with racing facilities in many small towns, however, the track in Sturgis now sits on real estate destined to be new homes as part of a city redevelopment project. There’s a good possibility that Tuesday, August 4th and Wednesday, August 5th will be the last outing on this hallowed ground. With your help, this last race could, and should, be the biggest and best of all time. Let’s back up a bit. Over the last 25 years, the famed Sturgis half-mile race has been in the hands of many organizations and entities. Some programs were outstanding – some programs fell far short of the mark. You see, it’s money – just like with everything else – that makes a race happen. Money and lots of effort by the host organization. Many of the groups involved didn’t have the experience or dedication necessary to facilitate a world-class race. At the 2013 rally, the club in charge of the half-mile abruptly cancelled the race citing lack of funds and enthusiasm for the

race that started the Sturgis Rally. Enter the White Plate Flat Trackers. The “White Platers” are an organization created by Pappy Hoel back in the earlier days of the rally. “White Plate” denotes a professional motorcycle racer because the number plate on his bike is white. Originally formed to support professional racers, the organization has long since expanded to include mechanics,

PETERSEN HARLEY-DAVIDSON Riding the Adventure, Living the Dream, and Continuing

THE LEGACY

Downtown Pierre

605-224-4242 • petersonmotorcycles.com

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sponsors, amateurs and race supporters of all kinds. Locally, the club is “ramrodded” by Mr. Jack Hoel, Pappy’s son and a substantial racer in his day. In hearing that the half-mile race was dropped, Mr. Hoel, together with a consortium of White Platers and local business owners approached the City of Sturgis and successfully secured the rights to the half-mile race for a three-year period.

BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME There are three areas of performance that make the halfmile: 1) Promotion; 2) Preparation; and 3) Sponsorship. The first two issues were handled by bringing in Mr. Steve Nace of “All Star Racing” from Paduka, KY. Known throughout the Midwest as one of the best overall promoters, Mr. Nace not only brings lots of top riders but specializes in track preparation. Starting in June of last year (2014), Mr. Nace worked with Mr. Gene Stock of the City of Sturgis Park District, to re-cut, re-level and disk up the track in advance. Rock removal by hand was our job as was the application of accepted chemicals to retain the moisture. On race day last year, the track was in possibly the best condition ever. Riders thrilled the crowds racing handlebar-to-handlebar at over 100 miles per hour. The general feeling was the 2014 half-mile was the best organized and facilitated race in many years. Thank you, Mr. Nace.

As we approach the 2015 75th Anniversary race, it now comes down to sponsorships – the fuel that makes things go. Considering the success of the 2014 race, both local and national companies expressed their support. First among them was the Sturgis

Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame who recognized the historic value of this event. Quickly, Indian Motorcycle of Sturgis, Coca Cola, Custom Chrome, Gypsie Vintage Cycle, Russ Brown Attorneys, Scott Peterson Motors and prominent artist Steve Soffa all jumped in to sponsor this great race. We all owe them a debt of thanks for such great support. On Tuesday, August 4th, vintage half-mile races will take place. Old guys (maybe some old girls, and some not so old guys and girls) on old bikes going real fast!! 20th Century Racing is bringing boardtrack racers – last year’s favorite race with Harley vs. Indian. Wednesday, August 5th is the AMA pro “All Star Race.” National numbers from all over America will be participating. For $20 admission, it’s two of the best days this rally has to offer. Grab a beer and join us for “The Last Half Mile.” That is, the last half-mile at this track. Once a new track is developed, you can bet that the half-mile races will be back in whatever the new location ends up being.

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Rally Recollections

BigRigRVPark.com – BEST VIEWS –

We can accommodate the Big Rigs! 175 large pull-through RV sites with full service hook-ups

605-347-1510 • bigrig@midco.net We border STURGIS city limits on the west side.

In 1989 I was at the Sturgis rally doing a promotional fundraiser for The Biker’s Fight Against Muscular Dystrophy. The Doobie Brothers were playing a show sponsored by Harley Davidson. As Chairman of the Biker’s Fight Against MD, I was giving a short speech at a press conference, alongside my good friend Clyde Fessler, head of marketing for Harley. There were quite a few journalists from the motorcycle world there to cover the event, and I was introduced to several different individuals. One of the editors from the magazine Harley Women, Cris Sommer happened to be one of them. We shook hands briefly, as was the case with many of the folks there. Later that evening as I was cruising Main Street in Sturgis, Cris and I happened to bump into one-another once again. This time something seemed to click for both of us. We spent several hours together that evening talking about our mutual love of motorcycling, and other things we had in common. We spent most of the time that the band and I were there, hanging out together. And guess what? 26 years later we’re still hanging out, and riding bikes together, only now her name is Mrs. Cris Sommer-Simmons! Doobie Brother, Pat Simmons

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Approximately 2 minutes from Main Street

This rally business is for sale.

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

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A Ride & A Picnic: By Christine Paige Diers The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum

What has long been recognized as the first rally in Sturgis was mostly a weekend of racing in the summer of 1938. The two-day event saw nine racers competing in AMA sanctioned races in Sturgis and about 200 spectators on hand to watch those races. Just a couple of years later, organizers recognized that the spectators had only watching races to draw them to town and keep them here. They decided maybe there should be something more for people who were not racing, and asked the Jackpine Gypsies to organize a ride. That’s how the Gypsy Tours got started. In 1939, the Jackpine Gypsies organized the first Gypsy Tour to Mount Rushmore. In those early days, about 75 to 100 people would gather to ride to Mount Rushmore, where they’d enjoy a picnic lunch prepared by wives of some of the Jackpine Gypsy members. Someone

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would load up a truck with the lunches, drive to Mount Rushmore, and be ready to serve lunch when the riders arrived. Each year, a ride captain was elected from the ranks of the Jackpine Gypsies organization. The ride captain was in charge of planning a route, taking reservations for the ride, making sure each town’s police department along the route was aware the ride would be coming through, arranging for a Highway Patrol escort and nurse to go along as well as leading the tour on the day of the event. A program from the 1956 Black Hills Motor Classic and Gypsy Tour touts that year’s event this way:

GYPSY TOURING THROUGH THE BEAUTIFUL BLACK HILLS Members of the local Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club will escort the caravan of motorcycle riders through the most scenic spots of the Hills, the caravan will receive the assistance of the South Dakota Motor Patrol to control traffic. Every precaution is taken to make this tour fun for everyone, so no speeding, no individuals showing off, just a happy caravan of motorcycle riders. You will certainly enjoy this if you attend.

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

In the early 1960s, the Gypsy Tours grew to numbers too difficult to manage in one ride, so the Jackpine Gypsies split the tour into two – one going to Mount Rushmore, the other going to Devils Tower in Wyoming. In 1973, 768 tour tickets were sold, each for around $5 to people participating in those tours. As the years have gone by and the rally has grown, there are many more options for participants. Still, up until the last few years, the Jackpine Gypsies continued to offer a tour.

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

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OPEN YEAR ROUND!

The Tattoo Cellar 1049 Main St. Sturgis SD

605-347-7524

888-347-7524

www.thetattoocellar.net Tattooing and Body Piercing Rally Hours: 10AM to Midnight

High Plains Western Heritage Center

Peggy Ables 605-642-WEST (9378) www.westernheritagecenter.com

The Old Fort Meade Museum

~ 2015 Schedule of WeStern eventS ~

Lee Stroschine 605-347-9822 www.fortmeademuseum.org

July 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 - Black Hills Roundup - Belle Fourche Ranch Rodeo followed by PRCA Rodeos. The community has celebrated this Annual Event since 1918. www.tristatemuseum.com July 3, 4 - National Day of the American Cowboy and Regional Meeting of the Great Western Cattle Trail Association at the High Plains Western Heritage Center www.westernheritagecenter.com June, July, August - Displays that tell the story of the 7th Cavalry, based at Old Fort Meade, after the Civil War. Also WWI, WWII and National Guard history. www.fortmeademuseum.org

Tri-State Museum

Kristi Thielen 605-723-1200 www.thetristatemuseum.com

Vore Buffalo Jump

Glen Wyatt 307-283-3581 www.vorebuffalojump.org

Spearfish Canyon Lodge

Linda Ahlers 877-975-6343 www.spfcanyon.com

Buffalo Jump Saloon & Steakhouse Callie Gordon 307-643-7173 www.buffalojumpsteak.com

~ To book a discount package which includes lodging and this self-guided tour, call: Black Hills Central Reservations 1-800-344-6181 or visit www.blackhillsvacations.com

Preserving the History of Motorcycling

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From Burgers to Steak…

Rosco’z Takes the Cake! • Family Owned and Operated since 1994 • Hand Cut Black Angus Steaks

Simply, ‘The Best Lil’ Steakhouse in Sturgis’

• 93/7 Certified Angus Beef • Truly, ‘The Best Tips in the Hills.’ We Proudly Serve Certified Black Angus Beef! Daily Lunch & Dinner SPECIALS!

976 Lazelle St., Sturgis, SD • 720-7608 • Open Daily 11 a.m. • www.roscozbar.com 110

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Rally Recollections My wife, my six year old son and I were camping at Chris’s campground in a very comfortable campsite. After cooking dinner at 9 P.M. we retired to our medium sized domed tent. The youngster went to sleep immediately while my wife and I discussed the days ride. An unanticipated thunder storm with lighting and thunder kept us awake all night. As the sun came up, the boy woke up and wanted breakfast. We allowed him to cook some breakfast on the Bar-B-Q as we fell asleep in the morning calm. That kid wouldn’t let us sleep, we had to get up and get going and rode around all day bleary eyed. We slept real good the following night. Buck Lovell Photographer

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RV Park/Campground • Cabins • Hot Showers • Laundry • Good Food

Take advantage of our FREE • Bar with COLD Beer private shuttle to town! • Tent Camping • Big Rigs Welcome • Non Traffic Side of Town

We are located south of Sturgis at Exit 34 just off I-90.

1-866-776-0758

David & Kathy Driggs, Family Owned & Operated 12927 Katmandu Ln., Sturgis, SD 57785 Preserving the History of Motorcycling

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Winter Sports in the Black Hills By Wayne Paananen Historic Footprints

With an average of anywhere from 150 to 200 inches of snow between November and March, it’s not any wonder that winter sports can be wonderful in the Northern Black Hills. The mountains which range between four-thousand to seventhousand feet in altitude do not generally get bitter cold and you can often depend on blue skies and lots of sun after a good snowfall. The early settlers, many of whom were of Scandinavian descent, took to the region like ducks to water. In the 1880’s cross country skiing was not only seen as enjoyable it was the way people traveled from place to place in the winter time. Of course at that time the skis were homemade. Made from birch wood, they were somewhere between 6 and 8 inches wide and about sixand-a-half feet long. Several Finnish families who lived in the Courtesy SD Tourism Roubaix and Nemo areas made their skis eight feet long. The husband and wife would strap on a single pair of skis and cross country ski in tandem to their neighbor’s to take their weekly sauna bath or head for the nearest store for groceries. Another enjoyable outing was ice

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skating on stock dams or small lakes. This past-time was often enjoyed at night with a blazing fire on shore where revelers could get warm and bake potatoes and roast marshmallows. From the 1950s through the 1970s Terry Peak had one of the best ski jumping hills in the nation. It was here that several locals qualified to train for the Olympic Winter Games. While the beautiful snow-covered mountains have not changed, the way people use them for recreation has changed. Terry Peak located just three miles southwest of Lead provides the highest vertical drop east of the Rocky Mountains. The resort there offers reasonable family rates and guarantees a breath-taking skiing experience. The Stewart Triple Chairlift and the newly covered snow carpet will allow you access to over 400 acres of challenging ski or snowboard terrain. The slopes are maintained nightly to provide ideal conditions. Of course they have equipment rentals, a lounge, gift shop and restaurant. Just three miles away you can ski or tube Mystic Deer Mountain. Choose from 44 trails down the mountain. Mystic Deer Mountain also has a one of a kind Zero-Gravity Tube Park. It’s the very best way to experience

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

“snow-motion.” Friendly, fun and affordable, Mystic Deer Mountain is located just 4 miles west of Lead, off Highway 85. If snowmobiling is what you’re looking for, the Black Hills has it all with 350 miles of groomed trails plus an additional one and a third million acres of beautiful wild country that will take you through deep limestone canyons, tall Ponderosa forests and across sweeping meadows. It’s the true outdoor adventure you’ve been looking for. Rentals are available at several locations. For a change of pace check in with Andy’s Trail Rides just outside of Deadwood and enjoy a quiet old fashion sleigh ride available day or night. A two horse team will take you back 100 years when getting there was really fun. Maybe you just want to get out in the great unknown for some cross country skiing. There are about 6,000 miles of old railroad beds, logging and fire trails where you can relax and let the cares of the world just melt away as you glide over the snow in a pristine forest. Another relaxing sport is ice fishing. You’ll find several lakes in the hills where those big brown trout and bass live. If it’s an adrenalin rush you’re looking for, you might look into some ice climbing in Spearfish Canyon. There are two ice walls. One is located in 11th Hour Gulch. The second and more demanding is at Bridal Veil Falls. You can find directions and current ice conditions at Spearfish Canyon Lodge at Savoy. Winter is a beautiful and slower time in the Black Hills with a wide range of activities. We invite you to come see us during this special time and you will be greeted by a stunning change in our majestic Black Hills.

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Since the 1800s, Belle Fourche has served travelers as a junction connecting Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota. The Tri-State Museum pays tribute to the region’s western heritage and culture. • The Emporium – featuring store displays from yesteryear • Military Display – from Civil War through Desert Storm • Cowboy, Ranch, and Early Cattle Companies • Sheep and Wool Exhibit • Railroad and Minnesela Display • History of Pioneers, Doctors, Attorneys • Butte County Bank Robbery History – featuring the Sundance Kid & the Hole in the Wall Gang

FREE ADMISSION

• Dinosaurs and Fossils of the Tri-State Area • Actual 1876 “Buckskin” Johnny Spaulding cabin • Black Hills Roundup Rodeo History - 95 years of history

Museum Gift Shop

Center of the Nation Memorabilia • Souvenirs • Clothing Books of local interest and history

415 5th Ave., Belle Fourche, SD • 605-723-1200

tristatemuseum@rushmore.com • www.thetristatemuseum.com Hours – Summer: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm • Sat 9am-5pm; Sun Noon-4pm Off-season: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm • Closed Saturday & Sunday

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Rally Recollections I remember one Sturgis Rally when it hailed so much we built snowmen in the streets and when it melted off the water covered the sidewalks, filled saddlebags, and was creeping in the door of the Bear Butte Restaurant. The current washed away barricades and knocked over motorcycles. “Puppy” Robert deGroat Long-time Rally Attendee

CH THE T A W N GO DOWN U S

The Island Bar & Casino The Friendliest Little Bar in Piedmont I-90 exit 44 or 48 605-716-0103 I-90 exit 44 or 48

605-716-0103

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The Sturgis Buffalo Chip: Story by Marilyn Stemp Photos compliments of The Sturgis Buffalo Chip

At milestone moments it’s human nature to look back and assess the journey. But origin stories often gloss over the challenges or leave out pivotal parts, sometimes by intent but often due to memory lapse. As the Sturgis Rally turns 75, it’s a fact that it began when Indian dealer Pappy Hoel and the Jackpine Gypsies club held the Black Hills Classic race in 1938. But that doesn’t begin to explain today’s monster event. By all accounts, it took until 1990 for the rally to gain major attention outside of motorcycle circles, and a case can be made that the rally’s now iconic status is due to entities not even located in the City of Sturgis. Fact is, the tipping point of the Sturgis Rally can be attributed to savvy promotional instincts and the use of national media—things Pappy Hoel never thought of—by a few area businesses. Key among them is The Sturgis Buffalo Chip Campground. Consider this: “The real story of the Sturgis rally isn’t what happened in the beginning, it’s what happened in the middle,” said Rod Woodruff, owner of the Buffalo Chip. He has a point: People aren’t coming to Sturgis now because of what happened

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in the ‘40s or 50’s, they’re coming because of what they’ve seen on TV and in social media far more recently. For the rally’s first 40 years, between 1938 and the late 1970’s, most Americans didn’t know there was a motorcycle rally in Sturgis, South Dakota. Even the 1982 mayhem in Sturgis City Park that nearly ended the Sturgis Rally for good got little attention in mainstream press. Though the rally had persisted through the 1970’s, when it evolved to a week-long happening and civic misbehavior became more common, it was the stretch of years during the 1980s that paved the way for the upsurge in the 1990s. Bookended by the City Park incident on one end and Pappy Hoel’s passing on the other, the ‘80s formed the foundations of the international phenomenon we know today as the Sturgis Rally. Tracing the Buffalo Chip’s history effectively timelines the rally’s as well. Though his property was just a cow pasture a few miles outside of town at the time, it was Rod Woodruff who put out the welcome mat after the City of Sturgis “threw the bikers out” in 1982, though accounts from those on the scene in City Park then indicate that the city’s action was not unjustified. Irish Rich Ryan was there and he recalls: “It was pretty crazy in there. People were drag racing up and down the blacktopped pathways, and more than a few guys wadded themselves up. I remember one guy losing it, and he slid through

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a bunch of tents, and a couple caught fire and melted themselves to the guy’s bike. Lucky there wasn’t anybody in the tents.” So making a home for bikers was a bold decision for Woodruff. Though the city had first licensed vendors in 1979, by 1982 most residents and civic officials were fully in favor of moving the offensive rabble out of town. No one complained then about losing rally revenue; they just wanted rid of the riff-raff. By several accounts, the local feeling was so negative that if the bikers weren’t made welcome somewhere, the rally’s very survival was in doubt. Woodruff didn’t have a master plan. “We called it the Buffalo Chip Picnic at first, but we weren’t paying attention and the guys in the parking lot registered the name,” he said. “So it caught me off guard one year; they had a court order and we had to go thru a legal fight just to let anyone on the place. Then for several years we were the Bare Butte Rendezvous, but no one knew what the Butte was: they thought we were saying ‘bare butts!’” (Now commonly known as Bear Butte, this geological landmark was referred to in the local newspaper as “the Bare Butte” until the early ‘50’s due to its lack of trees.) But the Buffalo Chip name had stuck. “Everyone called it the Buffalo Chip no matter what we said,” added Woodruff. From the start, Woodruff hired bands to entertain the campers. The Foggy Notion Band took the first makeshift stage, then played at the Chip every year for over a decade. Johnny Paycheck and Iron Butterfly were on the early roster, along with Susan Nelson. In those days, the Chip drew characters like resident artist Crazy George, who just kept coming back until he became a fixture. “George was our unofficial branding agent,” said Woodruff. “He painted signs and he painted ladies.

That was really his forte in the early days.” George’s influence is sprinkled around the campground, notably in the red-eyed buffalo head sculpture above the Kinison stage, made in the early ‘90s from scrap tin he gathered up on the grounds. The fine print on a Chip poster from 1989 refers to Crazy George as providing “lessons in BS, body painting, & consummate con-artistry.” George still holds court at his information booth, a poached spot that became permanent by persistence. Woodruff quickly became aware that hosting thousands of people took substantial effort and even more money. Additional land was purchased, loans were taken, wells were drilled, and more riders came to camp each year. According to the Chip’s longtime former marketing director Mike Sanborn, “The most important investment ever, in my opinion, was the investment in water,” he said. “As soon as Rod understood that women would come to the Chip if it had clean showers and bathrooms with flush toilets, he understood how to make the thing grow.” But even more important than building infrastructure at the Chip was building relationships with campers, something Woodruff made a point of doing from the start. Woody, as campers soon called him, actually liked the people who came. He visited with them, listened to them, and made them feel welcome, one smile and one handshake at a time. Woodruff made improvements, some gleaned from camper feedback, and worked to enhance the facilities every year. “We listened to camper suggestions and addressed them,” said Woodruff. “The goal was to

reach the point where we didn’t get one legitimate complaint, and the more people we had the fewer complaints we received.” The objective then, and still, is to offer riders a fun, safe, memorable time at the Sturgis Rally, in an atmosphere of freedom and camaraderie. This didn’t mean it was easy or there weren’t glitches through the years; there were. Said Sanborn, “The first few rallies I worked featured a ‘Bring Your Own Budweiser’ theme because we didn’t have a liquor license. You couldn’t have the Best Party in America without beer!” (Crazy George had coined the line “Best Party in America” and Sanborn later changed it to “The Best Party Anywhere!”) But anyone who’s ever had a beer at the Chip knows that that particular problem was remedied and over time the campground’s growth—and growing pains— weathered other hurdles, mirroring the rally’s evolution. By adding vendors, cabins, and a variety of high profile entertainment choices, the Buffalo Chip took hold as the place to meet up with the friends you made last year and an even better

place to spend the rally. Toni Woodruff, Rod’s daughter, recalls that early on, Rod would tell her offhandedly that people would be setting up as vendors. “He’d tell me to go see them by Wednesday to collect their rent because if you waited too long they’d forget and leave without paying! It was all free form,” she said. She eventually added structure such as set vendor fees and parameters, but vendors at the Chip have almost as much fun as campers. Many have returned year after year. By 1987, Malcolm Forbes was coming to the Sturgis Rally, and the Rat’s Hole Chopper Show put a stake in Sturgis ground. But with the 50th anniversary event in 1990 (two years were missed during WWII) attendance numbers exploded exponentially. Some say it was changing rider demographics, others credit state tourism efforts and added civic preparation. But you can’t dismiss the Buffalo Chip’s persistent, focused efforts during the decade prior. Through the ‘90s and into the new millennium, as the Sturgis Rally continued to gain in notoriety unhindered, nationally and internationally, it was the Buffalo Chip that brought in the Travel Channel, National Geographic, Discovery and CMT. In fact, a one-hour Travel Channel special filmed at the Chip that aired in 2000 was that network’s highest rated program for three consecutive years. Of course, the city of Sturgis benefitted substantially from the annual influx of bikers, as TV brought the rally more notice and top celebrities attended. With vendor licenses on the rise,

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the rally soon provided the town’s major source of revenue. The city hired event management in 1995, attendance figures of 600,000 were claimed in 2000, and by 2002 the city of Sturgis had established an official rally department. According to the Rapid City Journal in 2010, “Tax receipts from that class of vendors (temporary rally) in 1989 totaled $49,240. By 1999, those same tax receipts had ballooned to $783,835.” As for the Chip, each year its reputation as rally ground zero was strengthened by further improvements. The Buffalo Chip sculpture at the corner of 131st, Alkali & Hwy 34 is one of the most recognizable and photographed landmarks in the Black Hills. The Big Engine at the Buffalo Chip Crossroads is a more recent addition to the iconic markers that have accumulated over the decades. Now, as before, the Chip has the top bands everyone wants to hear. But just as vital, the people who run the Buffalo Chip regard campers not as rabble-rousers to be controlled but as guests to welcome. They always have, and it makes all the difference. “Rod invested his personality as well as his livelihood to make sure that bikers were ‘Welcomed Home,’” said Daymon Woodruff, Rod’s son. “They had a place they could come back to year after year where they were treated with respect.” And that’s the point. When riders roll their bike’s front tire under the “Welcome Home Bikers” gate at the Chip, there’s an inherent understanding, whether first timer or veteran: you are indeed welcome here. Woody and his crew have been looking forward to and preparing for your arrival all year long. In fact for decades, the Woodruff family has fought the battle on many levels to ensure that bikers can party with other bikers unencumbered at the Chip. Added Daymon Woodruff, “When it’s all over, the guest who can’t find any real way to put the experience into words simply says to the smiling figure largely responsible for keeping the rally alive, ‘Thank you, Woody, for throwing the Best Party Anywhere.’” How did the Buffalo Chip become the pulse of the Sturgis Rally? It wasn’t a straight line. The Chip grew organically from serendipitous beginnings, not necessarily by intent but ultimately with intention. The fact that the Chip’s consistent progress and respect for riders also enhanced and enabled the success of the rally as a whole, is a segment of Sturgis Rally history that shouldn’t be neglected. And now that you know the story, it won’t be.

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Tomorrow’s Memories Start Today Certainly the bands are part of the magic out here. The roster of entertainers who have played at the Buffalo Chip is substantial and remarkable. Fans of every music genre know these bands’ names. But even more compelling is this: bands seek out gigs at the Chip; they want to play the Chip due to its high energy, the pumped up enthusiasm of the audiences, and the characteristic “applause” of revving engines—a phenomenon that happens nowhere else. From a fan perspective, concerts witnessed from the front of the Wolfman Jack stage, or better still from the Top Shelf Lounge, have enabled many a band fan to cross off a bucket list item. And who doesn’t crave the back stage experience, that pulse-racing possibility of meeting an idol in person offered by the Chip’s Fan VIP meet and greets? But vicarious thrills can be interesting, too, and Mike Sanborn, who spent two decades writing music reviews and working behind the scenes at the Chip, revealed several standout memories when we talked. Here are a few, in Mike’s own words: “The first guy who comes to mind is an old Southern rocker named Doug Gray. I first met Doug around 1984 when he and Toy Caldwell were playing in a band they founded called The Marshall Tucker Band. Toy and Doug sat at a rickety picnic table and gave me one of the best rock interviews I had ever experienced. When it came time for them to go on stage, I asked for a photo to accompany the review. Doug told me the real story was the audience and put me on stage near the drummer. I shot most of the concert from the stage looking out. Around 10 years later, Rod booked the band again. Toy had passed away in 1993. When the band arrived, I went backstage and there was Doug Gray, leaning on a picnic table. I went up to him and said, ‘Mr. Gray, how are you sir? You probably don’t remember me but...’ He interrupted and said, ‘I remember you Mike. It was a great interview.’ I was stunned. We talked like we were old friends and it was a terrific show. Virtually every time Alice Cooper came to the Buffalo Chip he was literally a perfect gentleman. One year, he agreed to play in a “celebrity” golf tournament. We paired him with one of the state’s cabinet members, a delightful older lady who had a wonderful time with Alice, came to the show and even went on Alice’s bus. Mike Pinera (Blues Image) and Peter Rivera (Rare Earth) have spent a lot of time at the Buffalo Chip. They were part of a band called The Classic Rock All Stars with Jerry Corbetta and Dennis Noda. The group sticks out in my mind because they willingly went to Fort Meade VA Hospital and visited every patient in the building. I still communicate with Peter. He was, like Alice, very real and every bit the gentleman. But, most of my friends from the Chip were people in the Media and campers. I love spending time with the campers and I do make the trip to visit the Los Muchachos Motorcycle Club residents of Stroker’s Camp every year. They’re from all over the world and meet each year at the Chip. Rod used to say the Chip and the rally were like a family reunion, only one where you like everyone. That’s truer than most know.” Now that you’ve learned about some of Mike Sanborn’s experiences at the Buffalo Chip, get out there and make your own memories. Thank for sharing, Mike. —MS

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2015 Rally Word Search Solution on Page 128

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Find these words in the puzzle above: ANNIVERSARY CAMPING CLIMB CLUTCH CONCERTS DAKOTA EXPLORE GYPSY

HANDLEBARS HELMET HISTORY HOEL HOG JACKPINE LEATHER LEGENDARY

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

MOTOR MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM RACES RALLY RIDE ROAD SALOON

SIDECAR STURGIS SUNGLASSES TRACK TROPHY VENDORS

E C A L P T S E L O THE CO WOOD IN DEAD You’re Gonna LOVE This Shirt!

HOWDY’S

NEWMART Small Town Grocery Store

FULL SERVICE GROCERY STORE AND DELI Only 25 Miles north of Sturgis on Hwy 79. Avoid the traffic this rally and make your grocery shopping less stressful. Right on Main Street in downtown Newell.

SALOON & EATERY

o Outdoor Pati Antique Mall • Lodging

Deadwood Dicks 51 Sherman Street • Downtown Deadwood

1-877-882-4990

Order online at www.deadwooddicks.com

Open: Mon. – Sat 7:30am – 8:00pm Sun. 9:00am – 5:00pm

219 Girard Ave., Newell, SD 57769 • 605-456-1660

Bor used as n in 1998 to be patrons a tool to trans p fr motels t om campsites aort o their nd fav waterin g hole oorite concert r venue. • DA BUS runs 9 days during the Rally from 12 noon - 2am. Servicing over 25 different pickup places around the Sturgis area and all major campgrounds and venues. • DA BUS also runs all year long to accommodate private parties, weddings, sporting events & much, much more. • DA BUS’s main objective is to keep drunk drivers off the road so that everyone is safe as not only a rider but other people on the road. • DA BUS has hauled thousands of people ACCIDENT FREE for 14 years.

ng Servi the is & Sturg n Hills. er North

ut of o y a St ride d n a l jai us” “Da B

Information and wristbands are available any time going online to www.sturgisbus.com or emailing info@ridedabus.com or call 605-347-3287 call anytime and reserve your next party.

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Soffa Jewelry is for Winners By Marilyn DeMartini

Steve Soffa’s roots run deep, not only in jewelry designing, but in motorcycling as well. His home base and jewelry business are in Las Vegas, Nevada, providing miles of nearby open road to let his creative thoughts flow, as he winds through the deserts and foothills. On his journeys and numerous bike rallies, Soffa has made many friends who admire his avantgarde designs that speak to the biker, tattoo, body art and motorsports communities. Soffa’s talents include visualizing a concept and then making it come to life, which speaks to this loyal audience. In earning the Official Sturgis 75th Anniversary Jewelry and Timepiece license, Soffa captures the Sturgis tradition and reaches out to those who honor the history of the rally and its importance to those who love and ride the Black Hills and other classic Sturgis attractions. When Soffa learned of Coe Meyer’s Gypsie Vintage Cycle shop and

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his involvement with the Pappy Hoel Classic Races, a bond formed, connecting the two historians; they collaborated to provide a “new” trophy for the racers who travel from across the country to participate in the two-day event. “The last thing a lot of these guys need is another trophy on their wall, but being able to wear a piece of history gives them a true lifelong keepsake,” says Meyer. It turns out that the concept is also historical, as years ago, riders were given a pendant, a biker bell, as proof that they attended the rally. “Now 75 years later, we are doing the same type of thing,” Meyer adds, “There really are no new ideas, just good ones.” The Dog Tag is a popular piece of jewelry in the Steve Soffa collection as it is unisex, can be individualized and is an admired, wearable conversation piece. “We were so proud to create something special for the Pappy Hoel Classic, complementing Coe’s efforts to maintain the history of the rally,” says Soffa, “While our official Sturgis 75th

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum • 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

Anniversary Collection of jewelry and watches can provide everyone with a piece of history, these commemorative trophies truly and uniquely honor the racers and their accomplishments.” “We thank Steve for his contribution to the White Plate Flat Trackers Association. He has really created something here that the racers will cherish for years to come!” added Meyer. While Steve Soffa’s collections of jewelry depict elements of biker culture, he can also customize creations for lifestyle elements from motorsports to poker and beyond. His custom bracelets have been used as prizes for the Las Vegas Bikefest ‘Artistry in Iron’ competition and the World Series of Poker. More complete visuals can be viewed at www.stevesoffa.com and at www.Sturgis75thjewelry.com. Steve Soffa is in Sturgis and his collections can be seen and purchased at EasyRiders Saloon at 888 Junction Avenue, and One-Eyed Jack’s Saloon at 1304 Main Street in Sturgis.

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Solutions to Rally Puzzles Crossword Puzzle (from page 40) Trivia (from page 34) 1.b 2.b 3.d 4.c 5.d 6.b 7.a 8.d 9.d 10.a

11.c 12.b 13.c 14.d 15.b 16.a 17.a 18.b 19.d 20.c

Sudoku

(from page 80)

Beginner

Word Find (from page 124)

Intermediate

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Sturgis Motorcycle Museum â&#x20AC;˘ 2015 Motorcycle Magazine

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Sturgis Motorcycle Museum â&#x20AC;˘ 2015 Motorcycle Magazine